Protein and Vitamin Production in Bacillus megaterium

The Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus megaterium is frequently employed for the industrial production of exoenzymes including amylases, proteinases, and penicillin acylases, for instance. Here, we describe the utilization of the excellent protein secretion capacity of this bacterium for the production and export of homologous and heterologous recombinant proteins. Necessary genetic tools like various expression vectors, protoplast transformation protocols, and genomic integration strategies are outlined. Practical examples for the directed development of B. megaterium to a vitamin B12 production host are also described.