Gluconobactersuvun

Gluconobacter suvun is a hypothetical bacterial species placed in the genus Gluconobacter, in the family Acetobacteraceae, order Rhodospirillales, class Alphaproteobacteria. The name is not currently validated in major taxonomic databases and no type strain has been described; the following overview summarizes traits associated with Gluconobacter species and would apply to a member designated as G. suvun if formally described.

Ecology and habitat: Gluconobacter-like bacteria are environmental organisms commonly found on plant surfaces, fruit, juice, and in fermentation or processing environments. They favor sugar-rich, slightly acidic niches and can participate in spoilage of fruit products under refrigeration or during processing, particularly in warm, moist conditions.

Physiology and metabolism: Members of this group are Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, aerobic. They possess periplasmic membrane-bound dehydrogenases that catalyze the initial oxidation of sugars and alcohols on the cell surface, producing partially oxidized products such as gluconic acid and related compounds. This extracellular oxidation typically leaves the organisms unable to further oxidize the substrates completely to CO2, contributing to product formation rather than growth on the fully oxidized products. They are generally catalase-positive and non-fermentative, with broad substrate ranges including glucose, glycerol, and various alcohols.

Applications and significance: In biotechnology, Gluconobacter species are studied for selective oxidations of sugars and alcohols, including gluconic acid production. In food microbiology, growth on fruit surfaces and juices can cause spoilage. They are generally non-pathogenic to humans but can act as opportunistic contaminants in industrial settings.

Taxonomic status: For a name to be valid, a type strain must be deposited and described according to the ICNP; as of this writing, Gluconobacter suvun is not a formally described taxon.