Isolation and Characterization of Siderophore(s) from Pseudomonas mosselii

Iron is essential for growth of most microorganisms. It functions as an important cofactor in many important biological processes. However, iron found in soil is rendered insoluble and unavailable to microorganisms for use. To overcome this, many bacterial species produce siderophores, a small organic molecule that has high affinity for iron. Siderophores allow for bacterial cells to obtain otherwise insoluble iron. Pseudomonas mosselii, a Gram negative bacterium, was isolated from a local soil sample. P. mosselii was found to produce siderophore(s) under iron restricted environment, however, they have not been characterized. Therefore, it was of interest to isolate, purify and structurally characterize the siderophore produced by P. mosselii. Preliminary chemical characterization indicates a catechol fluorescent compound likely belonging to pyoverdine family. Additionally, there is a strong antimicrobial activity against Gram positive bacteria. At present, further purification and structural characterizations are underway in our laboratory.