A FUNCTIONAL PROPERTY OF A DOMESTIC APPLE ISOLATE: PULCHERRIMIN PRODUCTION BY METSCHNIKOWIA PULCHERRIMA ELM-GS-3 VIA WASTE VALORIZATION

Metschnikowia pulcherrima ELM-GS-3 was isolated from damaged Granny Smith apples and identified via MALDI-TOF MS and ITS sequencing (97.89% similarity, NCBI database). Pulcherrimin production was confirmed on FeCl3-supplemented media by maroon-red pigment formation and microscopic analysis. Food waste-derived media, including potato peel, onion skin, watermelon rind extracts, and diluted molasses, were evaluated for biomass and pigment production. Onion skin extract yielded the highest biomass (9.78±0.1 g/L) and pulcherrimin (7.63±0.6 g/L), followed by molasses and watermelon rind. FTIR analysis confirmed iron presence, while SEM revealed an amorphous microporous 3D structure. Absorbance peaked at 420 nm in alkali solution, consistent with low solubility except in alkaline conditions. The pigment’s low solubility profile, except in alkali, aligns with its stability characteristics observed in the literature. This study demonstrates the potential of food waste in pulcherrimin production and the biotechnological relevance of M. pulcherrima ELM-GS-3.