Microbial Pigments as Innovative Therapeutic Agents for Combating Infections and Advancing Cancer Treatment
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Microbial pigments have gained significant attention as promising therapeutic agents due to their diverse bioactive properties, including antibacterial, anticancer, cytotoxic, and antioxidant activities. These natural pigments, produced by bacteria, offer immense potential in both medicinal and industrial applications. In this study, a thorough literature review was conducted to explore the therapeutic significance of bacterial pigments, particularly their role in combating infections and advancing cancer treatment. The pigment was characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, with absorption spectra ranging from 220 to 250 nm. Additionally, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of strain BJZ10 identified functional groups associated with alcohols, esters, sulfate, alkanes, and alkyls, confirming the structural complexity of the pigment. The antibacterial efficacy of the pigment was evaluated using both Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria, demonstrating significant antimicrobial activity. Notably, this study identified a brown pigment produced by Streptomyces sp. strain BJZ10, which exhibited strong antibacterial properties. Given these findings, microbial pigments hold substantial promise for therapeutic applications, particularly in antimicrobial and anticancer strategies. This paper discusses the potential biomedical applications of microbial pigments, emphasizing their role as next-generation therapeutic agents in treating infections and combating cancer.
DOI: 10.14419/4ansz937
Author: Renuka Gudepu
Language: English
Subfield: Biotechnology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4412047517