The microbe of the year 2023 can even be purchased in pharmacies. Bacillus subtilis is considered to be health-promoting and is therefore sold as a probiotic. As a food ingredient, the microbe has long been known in Asia. In livestock farming, this bacterium is used as an alternative to antibiotics. Bacillus subtilis also produces vitamins and enzymes on an industrial scale, for example used in detergents. And it even heals cracks in concrete. This microbial all-rounder was chosen as the tenth Microbe of the Year by the Association for General and Applied Microbiology (VAAM).