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Rhodococcus folensis sp. nov., an orange-red-pigmented bacterium from mining soil
Aleyna Nalcaoglu Senocak1,2, Omer Faruk Ozturk1,2, Miray Kilic1,2
1Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Karadeniz Technical University, 61080, Trabzon, Türkiye.
Scientific Reports
|June 21, 2026
Summary
A novel red-pigmented bacterium, Rhodococcus folensis sp. nov., was discovered in mining soil. This pigment shows antioxidant and potential therapeutic properties.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mining-impacted environments are chemically complex and can host diverse microorganisms.
- Pigment-producing bacteria are of interest for their potential applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel pigment-producing bacterium from abandoned mining soil.
- To determine the taxonomic classification and potential bioactivities of the isolated strain.
Main Methods:
- Polyphasic taxonomic characterization including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, phenotypic analysis, and chemotaxonomic analysis.
- Genomic analysis to identify pigment-related genes.
- In vitro assays to evaluate antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of the extracted pigment.
Main Results:
- A novel Gram-positive, aerobic bacterium, designated FMA22T, was isolated and identified as a new species within the genus Rhodococcus, named Rhodococcus folensis sp. nov.
- The strain produces an orange-red pigment with significant antioxidant activity and weak HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibition.
- Genomic analysis revealed a terpene-associated carotenoid cluster responsible for pigment production.
Conclusions:
- Rhodococcus folensis sp. nov. is a newly proposed species isolated from a mining-impacted environment.
- The pigment produced by this bacterium possesses notable antioxidant properties and warrants further investigation for therapeutic potential.
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