The world we live in is filled with things that are good and bad. Yeast, for example, has become an inherent part of daily culture (food, feed and beverages), and lactic acid bacteria and probiotics are increasingly finding new applications in the foods we consume. At the same time, certain yeast strains are causing harm through yeast infections. Bacillus anthrax causes a serious illness and possibly to death. The co-existence of good and bad is not only true for microorganisms; nuclear energy could be potentially used for energy needs, certain radioactive elements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, to understand the metabolism of new compounds, and so on. If the same material goes into terrorist hands it may have serious implications.
The point I would like to bring out is that it is not necessary to be frightened by the idea of microorganisms, thinking that they are harmful. This kind of scary thinking is in part is promoted by commercials of disinfectant manufacturers like Clorox, Lysol, etc. If we could eliminate all bacteria there won't be any living beings, as they (humans, plants, and animals) are all dependent on microorganisms. We are dependent on them and they are dependent on us and like everything else where there is good there is also bad. The irony is that good does not exist or have any meaning without the bad, and vice versa. I believe it is wise to follow our parents' advise: stay away from bad company and thrive in good company.
The best example of finding good and the bad in the same organism is Botox, which is highly toxic and is produced by C.botulinum. In the past nobody would want to touch these toxins as they are so noxious. However, its use at very low concentrations may ward off wrinkles and is finding many interesting applications (to learn more about botox in cosmetic applications please visit http://www.botoxcosmetic.com). Recently, scientists are finding medical applications of botox for treating low back pain, spina bifida, migraine and tension headaches, etc. So we learned to get the best out of highly toxic botulinum; we created something good from something bad.
Another interesting example of microorganisms as a good in our daily lives is the concept of probiotics, which is making its way into USA in a big way in both human food and animal feed. In Europe, Japan and certain parts of Asia already many food companies use probiotics in a variety of foods including yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and fermented foods like kimchi. At the same time probiotics are being used in animal feed and their use is on the rise, driven by the ban on routine use of antibiotics in feed. This is so important I would like to cover it as a separate topic.
I should say that the overwhelming majority of microorganisms are good. Without microorganisms it is virtually impossible for human beings or animals to digest their food. Without medicines neither human beings nor animals can lead a healthy life and many important life saving drugs are made by microorganisms. Plants are just as dependant on microorganisms for their survival because nitrogen from the atmosphere is fixed into plants via microorganisms. The environment would not be the same without help from microorganisms in converting trash to treasure. As we face a looming oil crisis we are turning to microorganisms for the manufacture of ethanol. This list can go on and on. Considering the important role that microorganisms play in our lives we should treat them with respect.
Did you know that the number of microorganisms present in our bodies outnumber the entire population on this planet?
The above laws of applied microbiology is a modified version of David Perlman's. Please follow this link to see the respects paid to the greatest microbiologist.
I cannot close this without mentioning my mentor Prof. Arnold Demain, who has contributed so much to bring out the "good" out of microbial world and fittingly last year SIM, Society of Industrial Microbiologists, dedicated an issue to Arny entitled "Microbial Gems: Microorganisms without frontiers". Please follow this link to learn more about the greatest Industrial Microbiologist of our times and his "Arny's Army". I strongly urge to follow this link as it is a 'must read' for all of those involved in industrial microbiology.
This table is adapted from SIM News May/June 2007 from the article "Microbial Gems: Microorganisms without frontiers" by Eric Vandamme.
Vijai Pasupuleti, July 1st, 2008