Identification and characterization of bioactive pigment carotenoids from shrimps and their biofilm inhibition

Abstract

Bioactive carotenoids were isolated from different body components (head and carapace) of 3 types of shrimp (Fenneropenaeus indicus, Metapenaeus ensis, and Penaeus semisulcatus) using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and extracted pigments used for bacterial biofilm inhibition studies. The quantitative distribution of carotenoid substances in the skull and exterior covering body parts of shrimp exhibit low carotenoid intensities (165.1 µg/g and 150.7 µg/g, respectively). Isolated pigments showed a unique single band (orange in color) with retention times ranging from 2.9 to 3.09 min in reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Functional group arrangement was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and globular nature visualized through scanning electron microscopy. Shrimp carotenoids presented higher microbial inhibitory action against gram-positive strains than against gram-negative strains. Biofilm inhibitory concentration was determined for these bacterial strains and biofilm suppression was established and envisaged through in situ microscopic analysis. Practical applications Our research study outcomes established that bioactive pigment carotenoids displayed the remarkable antibacterial activity against both types (gram positive and gram negative) of bacteria, and no hemolytic activity. Specifically, shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus, Fenneropenaeus indicus, Metapenaeus ensis and Penaeus monodon) derived pigment carotenoids exhibited the antimicrobial activity against the clinical pathogens tested; shrimp carotenoids possess effective anti-biofilm activity; it could also exterminate formed bacterial biofilms. Further studies effect of shrimp carotenoids on virulent bacterial cells and its resistance mechanism would be confirmed by an animal model, which we will implement later.