Vol. 7, Issue 5 (2018)

Author(s):
Meenakshi, Neerja Rana and Anjali Chauhan

Abstract:
Water samples were collected from hot water springs of Himachal Pradesh and two pigment producing bacterial isolates M1 (Yellow) and MS2 (Orange) were obtained. Cultural conditions, including best carbon and nitrogen sources, were optimized and both the bacterial isolates showed maximum growth and pigment production in Luria Bertani medium for an incubation period of 72 hrs at pH 7.0 and temperature 40^oC. Glucose for M1 and maltose for MS2 at 0.5% were found to be the best carbon source for maximum pigment production. Peptone (0.5%) for M1 and potassium nitrate (0.5%) for MS2 as nitrogen sources was best for pigment production. The results of spectral analysis showed λ_max at 437 for M1 and 435 for MS2 indicating the presence of carotenoids qualitatively. Hot water springs are excellent natural source for isolation of pigment producing microorganisms. Bacterial isolates produced good yield of pigment under controlled cultural conditions. Obtaining pigments from natural sources is an environment friendly approach. Pigment production from natural sources is also helpful for humans in lowering allergic reactions and several vital diseases