Epicoccum sorghinum as a Potential Source for Pigment Production

The present study aimed to screen pigment producing microorganisms from various sources.Three pigmentproducing bacteria and 6 pigment producing fungi were isolated and characterized.Among the fungi, Epicoccum sorghinum was selected for further investigation due to the limited research on its pigment production and applications.Optimization of biomass and pigment production was investigated under various growth parameters.Our investigation revealed that pigment production was minimum at 35C and maximum at 25C, with optimal production at pH 7.0.Fructose and organic nitrogen were most suitable for mycelial growth and pigment production as a carbon and nitrogen source, respectively.Mutational studies on E. sorghinum were performed to observe changes of UV and N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NTG) treatments.These mutations altered the mycelium color from reddish-brown to yellowish-orange, and finally to albino, with a reduction in pigment yield above 37C.The crude methanolic pigment extract was characterized using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).Thin-layer chromatography separation revealed yellow (Rf 0.52), orange (Rf 0.68), and red (Rf 0.75) spots, while GC-MS identified 2 compounds: 11-oxa-dispiro [4.0.4.1]undecan-1-ol (32.576%) and Tricyclo[2.2.1.0(2,6)]heptan-3ol,4,5,5-trimethyl(67.424%).The pigment showed effective antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria and strong antioxidant activity (IC50: 95g/mL).As natural colorants, these pigments have potential applications in food, textile, leather dyeing, and pharmaceutical industries.However, more insights on pigment biosynthesis, downstream processes, and the physiological effects of these pigments has to be carried out.In conclusion, E. sorghinum is found to be a significant potential novel source of antioxidants and antimicrobial agents.