# Production and characterization of anti-bacterial metabolite(s) from Egyptian archaeological sites

## TL;DR

This study explores the antibacterial and anticancer potential of a compound produced by a bacterium found in Egyptian archaeological sites.

## Contribution

The paper introduces nano-xenortide, a novel antibacterial and anti-colorectal-carcinoma agent derived from Xenorhabdus nematophila.

## Key findings

- Xenorhabdus nematophila was identified as the most potent antibacterial-producing organism.
- Nano-xenortide showed superior antibacterial efficacy compared to the original compound.
- Nano-xenortide exhibited low cytotoxicity, making it a safe candidate for therapeutic use.

## Abstract

Antimicrobial agents produced by Xenorhabdus spp. may hold the answer to novel antimicrobial agents. Antibacterial activity of some bacterial strains isolated from different Egyptian archaeological sites was evaluated. The most potent organism that reported high antibacterial activity was identified as Xenorhabdus nematophila. The produced bioactive compound was identified as xenortide using LC–MS and NMR studies. Optimization of xenortide’s production was assessed using a central composite statistical design. The most effective fermentation factors were identified as carbon, nitrogen source concentrations and pH levels. Nano-xenortide was synthesized using the ball milling method, followed by its characterization and evaluation for its anticipated antibacterial and anticancer properties. Statistical analysis of the findings indicated that the produced nano-xenortide exhibited superior antibacterial efficacy. Furthermore, the assessment of its cytotoxicity revealed that nano-xenortide is a promising, safe candidate that can be used as an antibacterial and anti-colorectal-carcinoma agent.