Eco-friendly pigments from microorganisms: A sustainable source of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents

Background: The growing concern over the toxicity and environmental persistence of synthetic dyes has accelerated the search for natural and sustainable alternatives. Methods: In this study, pigment-producing microorganisms were isolated from soil samples and screened for their potential as eco-friendly sources of bioactive pigments. The isolates were subjected to morphological, biochemical, and molecular characterization, followed by pigment extraction, purification, and analytical profiling using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, HPLC, GC-MS, and LC-MS. Results: The pigments exhibited strong antioxidant activity, as determined by DPPH radical scavenging assay, and demonstrated effective antimicrobial activity against multiple human pathogens such as Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The extracted pigments were stable under various storage conditions and were further processed into food-grade formulations using natural stabilizers. Probiotic potential was also assessed through tolerance to bile salts, acidic pH, and simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Conclusion: The results underscore the potential of microbial pigments as sustainable, multifunctional substances applicable in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors.