Production of Bioactive β-carotene by the Endophytic Bacterium Citricoccus Parietis AUCs with Multiple in Vitro Biological Potentials

Background: Although microalgae and plants are traditionally used for obtaining natural pigments, overexploitation and overharvesting threaten them. Bacteria represent a superior alternative for the production of pigments due to their ability to produce greater amounts in a short time without seasonal restrictions; furthermore, bacterial pigments have a wide range of uses and are safe and biodegradable. This study is the first on the production of ß-carotene as a promising bioactive agent from endophytic bacteria.

Results: The yellow pigment produced by the endophytic bacterium Citricoccus parietis AUCs (NCBI accession number: OQ448507.1) was extracted by methanol and then purified and identified. One band was obtained by TLC analysis, which was identified as ß-carotene based on its spectroscopic and chromatographic characteristics. The pigment exhibited remarkable antibacterial, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities.

Conclusions: This research may serve as a valuable starting point for exploiting C. parietis AUCs as a potent source of ß-carotene for biomedical therapies. To validate the findings of this research, in vivo studies must be performed.