Preliminary separation and qualitative analysis of carotenoids in Arthrobacter sp.

Abstract:

[Objective] To analyse the taxonomic status of the red-coccus bacterium conserved in our laboratory, and the compositions of pigments extract were determined. [Methods] This bacterium was classified based on morphological features, 16S rRNA gene sequences and physiological tests. Total pigments were extracted from biomass using ethanol-acetone. Preliminary separation of pigments was achieved by thin layer chromatography, and UV/visible scanning spectra and mass spectra were used for the qualitative analysis of each composition. [Results] This bacterium was classified to the genus of Arthrobacter sp.. There were main four compositions on the silica-gel plate. Only one next to the solvent front was yellow, and others were orange. The spectroscopic data and mass spectra showed that the yellow and red components might be the β-carotene and spirillloxanthin series respectively. [Conclusion] The production of carotenoids by the strains of Arthrobacter sp. was observed, when cheap materials such as molasses and corn steep liquor were used as nutrient medium, and further investigations will have practical values.