Chemical characterization of pigments of biotechnological interest from bacteria isolated from Antarctica

Abstract

This study aims to develop and improve skills related to pigments identification. Recently, four pigmented bacteria from the Antarctic continent were able to withstand UV-B and UV-C radiation - Arthrobacter agilis 50-cyt, Celullophaga fucicola 416, Zobellia laminarie 465 and Arthrobacter alpinus 366. The pigments were extracted and characterized by the UV spectrum absorbance. In addition, they were tested for antioxidant capacity, UV light stability and phototoxicity profile against murine fibroblast lines to verify the potential use as sunscreens. The results until the moment showed that all the pigments presented a very high antioxidant action; good stability on exposure to UV light; and a fraction of the A. agilis pigment did not express phototoxic action. To finish the study it is necessary to identify these pigments and a partnership was signed with the group of Dr. Ramon Canela Garayoa of the University of Lleida, specialists in the identification of carotenoids.