Optimization of carotenoid pigment production by native strains Haloarchaea lipolitical

Subject Areas : Environmental Microbiology

Masoumeh Mohammadi ¹ , Ahmad Ali Porbabaei ² , Ali Javadi ³

1 - M.Sc., Department of Microbiology, Qom branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran.
2 - Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Qom branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran.
3 - Instructor , Department of Microbiology, Qom branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran.

Received: 2015-03-09 Accepted : 2015-05-02 Published : 2015-09-01

Keywords: Optimization, Carotenoied, Halophilic archaea,

Abstract :

Background & Objectives: The halophilic Archaea are strong sources of carotenoid pigments. These compounds are used in the pharmaceutical industries and fisheries due to their antioxidant, anti-tumor and pigmentation properties. This  study  was  aimed  to  increase  the production  of  pigment Carotenoids  by  the  strains  Haloarchaea lipolitical. Materials & Methods: This experimental study was performed on H. lipolitical, isolated previously from water sources located at Bushehr. Effects of several factors, temperature,  pH,  carbon  sources,  nitrogen  sources,  different   percentages  of sodium  chloride ions  and  the impact  of  heavy  metals  were compared with the standard curve to optimize the pigment production in H. lipolitical. Results: Statistical analyzes showed the optimal amount of carotenoid pigment production conditions  at  a  temperature  35℃ for 88 hours (39.3 µg), pH 8 for  120 hours (15.77 µg),  casein  peptone  nitrogen  source  and  yeast  extract for 72 hours (13.28 µg),  NaCl 16%  for 96    hours (15.77 µg), starch carbon source for 96 hours (4.44µg)  and the  presence of manganese  sulfate for 120 hours (59 µg). Conclusion: Due to non-pathogenicity of  Archaea, the availability  of  suitable sources  for  their growth  and  high  levels  of  salt  in the culture,  this  strain  can be used for the production  of  carotenoids  in  various  industries.