Maximizing Biomass Production and Carotenoid-like Pigments Yield in <i>Kocuria sediminis</i> As04 Through Culture Optimization

The global chemical pigment industry faces environmental challenges despite its economic importance. This study investigates the potential of <i>Kocuria sediminis</i> AS04, an airborne isolate, for sustainable pigment and biomass production. Microbial kinetics were evaluated under Taguch...

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Main Authors: Daniela Jakeline López-Mora, Andrea Goreti Flores-Dávalos, Miguel Angel Lorenzo-Santiago, Beatriz Genoveva Guardado-Fierros, Jacobo Rodriguez-Campos, Silvia Maribel Contreras-Ramos
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Microorganisms
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/7/1555
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Summary:The global chemical pigment industry faces environmental challenges despite its economic importance. This study investigates the potential of <i>Kocuria sediminis</i> AS04, an airborne isolate, for sustainable pigment and biomass production. Microbial kinetics were evaluated under Taguchi design conditions with temperature (30, 34, and 38 °C), stirring speed (110, 120, and 130), and pH (6.0, 6.5, and 7.0), measuring biomass through dry weight and viable cells, pigment production, and identification of its pigment using UPLC-MS/MS; structural and chemical characterization of biomass was conducted using SEM and FTIR. Among the tested conditions, the treatment at 30 °C, 130 rpm, and pH 6.5 resulted in the highest CFU count (5.7 × 10<sup>9</sup> CFU mL<sup>−1</sup>) and the greatest biomass yield (13.3 g L<sup>−1</sup>). In contrast, the highest pigment yield (0.0016 mg g<sup>−1</sup>) was obtained at 38 °C, 130 rpm, and pH 6.0. Cell extracts identified key carotenoid compounds such as β-cryptoxanthin, Rhodovibrin, and other precursors. These findings highlight the potential of <i>Kocuria sediminis</i> AS04 as a sustainable source of pigments and valuable bioproducts, offering promising alternatives for eco-friendly industrial applications.
ISSN:2076-2607