Isolation and Characterization of Pigment Producing Micro-Organism from Soil

Abstract

Color pigment producing micro-organism was isolated from soil samples collected from different sites. Paracoccus carotinifaciens AP 03 has screened amongst 27 pigmenting bacteria from 23 different environmental samples with an excellent ability of color pigment biosynthesis. The culture has been identified by 16S rDNA gene sequencing and was optimized for its growth and pigment production on glucose peptone medium. The orange red color pigment was synthesized by bacteria during stationary phase of its growth and it was named as Astaxanthin (AST). The pigment was extracted by liquid phase separation, silica gel and thin layer chromatographic techniques.The extracted pigment was further purified and characterized by analytical techniques.The purified pigment will be utilized for applicatory studies like anticancer,anti inflammatory,anti-tuberculosis and antimicrobial activity.