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Optimization of Melanin Pigment Production from the Halotolerant Black Yeast Hortaea werneckii AS1 Isolated from Solar Salter in Alexandria

Summary

This research focused on producing melanin, a natural dark pigment, from a marine yeast found in salt ponds. The scientists successfully optimized the production process to get higher yields of this valuable compound. Melanin has numerous practical applications that impact everyday life: • Can be used in sunscreens and cosmetics to protect skin from UV radiation • Has potential medical applications as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent • Can help clean up environmental pollution by binding to toxic heavy metals • Provides a natural alternative to synthetic pigments in various products • Could be used in developing new pharmaceutical and medical treatments

Background

Melanins are high molecular weight metabolites that appear as dark colors ranging from brown to black, synthesized from phenolic or indolic compounds and often present in complexes with proteins or carbohydrates. Marine fungi, particularly black yeasts, are capable of producing these valuable coloring metabolites as they play a fundamental role in surviving extreme environmental conditions. Melanin production helps black fungi adapt to harsh conditions by providing protection against UV radiation, oxidative stress, toxic heavy metals, and high salt concentrations.

Objective

The goal of this research was to isolate a marine black yeast melanin-producing strain and optimize the culturing conditions to maximize the yield of melanin pigment production.

Results

Among five isolated strains, H. werneckii AS1 showed the highest melanin yield. The extracted pigment was confirmed as melanin through various analytical methods. The optimization process identified CaCl2 (1.125 g/L), trace element (0.25 ml/L), and culture volume (225 mL/500 mL) as critical factors affecting production. The RSM optimization approach resulted in a 2.0-fold improvement in melanin output, achieving a maximum yield of 0.938 g/L.

Conclusion

The halotolerant H. werneckii AS1 demonstrated significant potential as a source for natural melanin pigment synthesis when compared to other black yeast strains. The optimized production process makes it suitable for various pharmaceutical and environmental applications.
  • Published in:BMC Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.1186/s12866-022-02505-1
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