Characterization and applications of MSS pigment isolated from Streptomyces ardesiacus

Bacteria produce pigments to protect themselves from UV radiation and oxidative damage, aiding their survival and adaptation in various environments. As concerns over synthetic dyes grow, microbial pigments have gained attention for their potential benefits. They offer advantages such as high yield, cost-effectiveness, and ease of extraction. Streptomyces ardesiacus, isolated from Moringa olifera rhizophore soil produced pink/magenta colour pigment. It was characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, FT-IR, HPLC, and NMR. The isolated MSS pigment showed no antimicrobial activity against tested bacterial and fungal strains, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida auris and Candida albicans. Moreover, it showed no haemolytic activity, indicating its potential safety for use in various applications. Importantly, the pigment demonstrated durable retention in textile dyeing (even after multiple washes) and stable incorporation in lip balm formulation, highlighting its potential as a safe and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes. This study underscores the promise of microbial pigments in various industrial applications, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly solution.