Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2025

Quantification of Hypopigmentation Activity In Vitro
06:08

Quantification of Hypopigmentation Activity In Vitro

Published on: March 6, 2019

11.2K

Pigment Production by Pseudofusicoccum sp.: Extract Production, Cytotoxicity Activity, and Diketopiperazines

Bianca Vilas Boas Alves1, Letícia Jambeiro Borges1, Samira Abdallah Hanna2

  • 1Food Science Postgraduate Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40170-100, BA, Brazil.

Microorganisms
|February 26, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This study identifies a fungus, Pseudofusicoccum sp., as a safe source of natural burgundy biopigments. The fungal extract and isolated compounds show no cytotoxicity and possess beneficial biological activities, making them suitable for food applications.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biotechnology
  • Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

  • Filamentous fungi are utilized for producing metabolites, including dyes.
  • Safety assessment of microbial-derived products is crucial.
  • Biopigments offer natural alternatives in various industries.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize a fungal strain producing a burgundy pigment.
  • To evaluate the safety and biological activities of the fungal extract and isolated compounds.
  • To explore the potential of this fungus as a source for natural food colorants.

Main Methods:

  • Fungal isolation and identification (Pseudofusicoccum sp.).
  • Submerged fermentation for pigment production.
  • Cytotoxicity assays on human cell lines (HepG2, SCC4, BJ, MRC-5).
  • Compound isolation and structural elucidation using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis.

Main Results:

  • Pseudofusicoccum sp. was identified as a burgundy pigment producer.
  • Enhanced fungal growth and pigment yield were observed under yellow light.
  • The fungal extract demonstrated no cytotoxicity against tested cell lines.
  • Two diketopiperazines, cyclo(L-Pro-L-Val) and cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro), were isolated and identified.
  • Isolated compounds exhibited antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities.

Conclusions:

  • Pseudofusicoccum sp. is a promising source of non-cytotoxic biopigments.
  • The isolated diketopiperazines possess significant biological properties.
  • This fungal strain and its metabolites hold potential for natural pigment applications in food products.
Keywords:
endophytic fungifood industrynatural colorant

More Related Videos

Stimulation of Stem Cell Niches and Tissue Regeneration in Mouse Skin by Switchable Protoporphyrin IX-Dependent Photogeneration of Reactive Oxygen Species In Situ10:05

Stimulation of Stem Cell Niches and Tissue Regeneration in Mouse Skin by Switchable Protoporphyrin IX-Dependent Photogeneration of Reactive Oxygen Species In Situ

Published on: May 8, 2020

1.9K
Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model12:37

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model

Published on: September 7, 2013

18.1K

Related Concept Videos

Pigmentation01:19

Pigmentation

The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
2.3K
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways01:22

Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways

At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category,...
5.6K
Epistasis01:39

Epistasis

In addition to multiple alleles at the same locus influencing traits, numerous genes or alleles at different locations may interact and influence phenotypes in a phenomenon called epistasis. For example, rabbit fur can be black or brown depending on whether the animal is homozygous dominant or heterozygous at a TYRP1 locus. However, if the rabbit is also homozygous recessive at a locus on the tyrosinase gene (TYR), it will have an unshaded coat that appears white, regardless of its TYRP1...
45.5K
Erythropoiesis01:14

Erythropoiesis

Red blood cells  (RBCs) transport oxygen to all body tissues. These cells survive only for 120 days and then need to be replenished. Erythropoiesis is the process of RBC production. In healthy individuals, erythropoiesis ensures all tissues are amply supplied with oxygen. In addition, blood loss due to injury leads to a drop in the physiological oxygen level that will cause erythropoiesis. Any defect in erythropoiesis leads to several physiological disorders, including thalassemia, anemia,...
4.0K
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives01:14

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
1.6K
Epistasis Analysis01:09

Epistasis Analysis

Although Mendel chose seven unrelated traits in peas to study gene segregation, most traits involve multiple gene interactions that create a spectrum of phenotypes. When the interaction of various genes or alleles at different locations influences a phenotype, this is called epistasis. Epistasis often involves one gene masking or interfering with the expression of another (antagonistic epistasis). Epistasis often occurs when different genes are part of the same biochemical pathway. The...
4.9K