The triterpenoid carotenoids and related terpenoids in Staphylococcus aureus 209P

The carotenoids of Staphylococcus aureus 209P have been identified as triterpenoid (C30) carotenoids. The pigments include members of a carotene dehydrogenation sequence with C30 analogs of phytoene, phytofluene, zeta-carotene, and neurosporene. The major xanthophyll present under the cultural conditions used is a carotenoic acid derived from the C30 analog of neurosporene. A cis-isomer of this major xanthophyll has also been characterized, as have four other xanthophylls. Of the latter xanthophylls, two have been identified as the hydroxy and glycosyloxy derivatives of the major xanthophyll, while the remaining two xanthophylls are carotenoid esters. Squalene and menaquinone MK-8 have also been identified in the bacterium.