An advantage of using pigments of microbial origin is, unlike certain plant or fruit dyes, their production is not dependent on seasonal fluctuations
A team of researchers from Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh, have discovered a psychrophilic bacterial strain, called Rhodonellum psychrophilum GL8, at the high altitude Pangong Tso Lake in the Himalayas.
The red pigment isolated from this bacterium possesses antimicrobial, antifungal, and skin cell growth stimulating properties. This novel bio-pigment promises to be useful for the development of antimicrobial smart fabrics, medicated bandages, and natural food coloring and preservatives.
In recent decades, people have become aware of the negative effects of synthetic colorants and the demand for naturally occurring non-toxic dyes has been increasing by 10–15% annually. In their search for eco-friendly bio-colorants, researchers have identified microbes as potential sources of pigments that promise to be environmentally friendly and economical, besides being non-toxic, inexpensive, and readily available.
Another advantage of using pigments of microbial origin is, unlike certain plant or fruit dyes, their production is not dependent on seasonal fluctuations, and, given the right growing conditions of the microbes, they can be mass-produced like synthetic dyes.
The researchers confirmed the novel status of this strain of Rhodonellum psychrophilum, which they called ‘GL8’, through phylogenetic analysis, and subjected the isolated pigment to chromatographic and spectrometric techniques to identify the constituents.
The researchers have filed patents based on their impressive discoveries, which they believe will provide unique local solutions to global problems of nutrition, medicine, and environment.