Production characterization structural and functional and utilization of biocolor from soil microbe

Abstract

Investigations carried out in this thesis entitled Production, characterization (structural and functional) and utilization of biocolor from soil microbe have been presented in four chapters. newlineChapter 1: General Introduction newlineColor is one of the foremost parameters as well as selection criterion when it comes to food choices. The growing trend towards biocolor in the recent years has culminated in the proactive substitution of synthetic colors. With the rising awareness among consumers about their health and food safety, bicolors have gained indispensability as they are extracted from sources of biological origin and are much safer than the synthetic counterparts. This chapter provided general information regarding the history of biocolors along with their three biological sources namely plants, animals and microorganisms. There are several limitations of using plant pigments. Pigments from animal origin also have certain demerits. Hence, biocolors obtained from microorganisms are now given a choice of preference as they are a promising source of colorants with large economic potential. This chapter also gave an overview on the various factors that influence microbial pigment production. The characterization of microbial pigment, bio-pharmacological properties and applications of microbial color were outlined in this chapter. newlineChapter 2: Screening and identification of the pigment producing soil microorganism for the production of microbial color newlineThe present study investigated the screening and isolation of pigment producing microorganisms from the soil of an oil plant region in Kolkata, India. Extraction of extracellular microbial pigments was done by solvent extraction method. The maximum pigment producing strain was presumptively identified on the basis of colony morphological studies, standard biochemical tests and molecular characterization. The microorganism was confirmed as a non-toxic strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The present study was also carried out with an aim to optimize different cultural conditi