Abstract
Background: Carotenoids are organic pigments with substantial
applications in neutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food
industries. Considering the importance of carotenoids, we aimed to isolate and
identify a carotenoid-producing microorganism in the present study.
Methods:
Gram-negative, aerobic and
rod-shaped archaeon, Halorubrum sp. TBZ112 (KCTC 4203 and IBRC-M 10773)
producing carotenoids with circle and red colonies were isolated from Urmia
Lake in Northwest Iran. Phenotypic characterization and molecular
identification of isolate were also conducted. In order to study the ability of
TBZ112 to produce carotenoids as well as the production profile, carotenoids
were extracted using acetone-methanol solution (7:3 v/v). Then, the carotenoid
content of the extract was evaluated using UV spectroscopy and thin-layer
chromatography (TLC). The carotenoid profile was analyzed using liquid
chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) techniques.
Results: The 16S
rRNA analysis showed that TBZ112 had the highest similarity with Halorubrum
chaoviator Halo-G*T (99.78%). The total carotenoid content of
strain TBZ112 was found to be 11.7 mg/l. The LC-MS analytical results indicated
that carotenoids that were produced included bacterioruberin, lycopene and
β-carotene. Among them, bacterioruberin was predominant.
Conclusion: Consequently, we can suggest that future studies
should investigate this new and natural source for producing carotenoids.