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Colour Me Blue: The History and the Biotechnological Potential of Pyocyanin

Summary

This research reviews pyocyanin, a blue pigment produced by bacteria that has significant historical importance and modern applications. The compound was one of the first natural antibiotics used before penicillin and continues to show promise for various modern uses. Impact on everyday life: – Could lead to new environmentally-friendly antibiotics and agricultural treatments – Has potential applications in developing better microbial fuel cells for sustainable energy – May be used to create natural, non-toxic textile dyes – Could help develop new biosensors for detecting environmental toxins – Shows promise for cleaning up oil spills through bioremediation

Background

Pyocyanin was the first natural phenazine described and is synthesized by about 95% of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Secondary metabolites like bacterial pigments are essential for maintaining and persisting organisms, with varied colors and heterogeneous molecular structures. Phenazines are molecules with heterocyclic rings containing nitrogen, synthesized by a limited number of bacteria and archaea.

Objective

This review aims to narrate the history of pyocyanin as well as unveil its mechanisms and suggest new horizons for applications in different areas of engineering, biology and biotechnology. The work presents considerations about the history, chemistry, collection and applications of this exuberant blue-colored phenazine pigment.

Results

The review reveals pyocyanin’s rich history from its discovery in 1860 through modern applications. Key findings include: its role as one of the first natural antibiotics (pyocyanase), its mechanisms of action through oxidative stress, its importance for P. aeruginosa survival and virulence, and its diverse potential applications in biotechnology including microbial fuel cells, biosensors, bioremediation, and as an antimicrobial agent.

Conclusion

Pyocyanin shows significant potential for various biotechnological applications, particularly in industry and pharmacology given its antimicrobial nature and role as an active redox compound. The pigment’s properties make it suitable for use in microbial fuel cells, biosensors, bioremediation, antibiotics, and as an agrochemical. New research continues to uncover environmentally-friendly applications for this historically significant bacterial pigment.
  • Published in:Molecules,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/molecules26040927
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