Microorganisms produce various pigments like carotenoids, melanin’s, flavins, monascins, violacein and indigo.  Carotenoids are a group of bioactive compounds and are responsible for bright yellow, orange, red pigments of various plants, microorganisms and animals and are widely distributed in nature. These pigments have an important function to act as protective agents against oxidative damage. Recently carotenoids have attracted greater attention due to the beneficial role on human health. As pigments have been extensively evaluated over the years for its antibiotic, antigenic and antitumor effects, special consideration was made towards ability of chromogenic bacteria to produce pigmentation under certain chemical conditions.

Download this article as