# Bioprospecting Antarctic Microorganisms: Investigating Hymenobacter psoromatis PAMC26554 for Biochemical Potential

## TL;DR

This study explores a cold-loving Antarctic microbe for new biochemicals, identifying a compound with potential enzyme-inhibiting properties.

## Contribution

The first isolation of phenylacetic acid from Hymenobacter and evidence of its lipase inhibitory activity through molecular docking.

## Key findings

- Phenylacetic acid was identified and characterized from Hymenobacter psoromatis PAMC26554.
- Molecular docking showed hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking contribute to PAA's lipase inhibition.
- Optimal growth conditions for the strain were found in R2A medium at 15°C.

## Abstract

Microorganisms from the genus Hymenobacter are known for their distinctive traits, yet their secondary metabolite (SM) production has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we examined the biosynthetic potential of SMs from Hymenobacter psoromatis PAMC26554, which was isolated from Antarctic lichen. In silico analysis identified biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) for terpenes, non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), and polyketide synthases (PKSs), indicating the strain’s potential for novel SM production. Optimization of culture conditions showed that R2A medium at 15°C supported growth. HPLC analysis revealed phenylacetic acid (PAA) as a notable compound, which was characterized by ESI-MS and NMR, marking the first isolation of PAA from the genus Hymenobacter. In addition, bioactivity assays indicated moderate lipase inhibition by PAA, while molecular docking studies revealed stable interactions with the enzyme, demonstrating that hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking contribute to its lipase inhibitory activity. In summary, this research highlights the genus Hymenobacter as a potential source for secondary metabolite discovery, with PAA exemplifying its unexplored biochemical capabilities.