Isolation and characterization of red pigment producing Haloarcula sp

Despite the fact that the commercial market is ruled by the synthetic, even among the permitted synthetic pigments, some of them may be toxic, carcinogenic or may cause severe damage to vital organs. Because of this, a strong interest in natural colouring alternatives is needed. As compared to other available synthetic pigments, natural pigments from microbial sources are potentially good alternative ones. Microbial cells accumulate pigments under certain culture conditions, which have very important industrial applications. In the present study a red pigment producing archaea has been isolated and characterized. The optimum temperature, incubation time and pH for the growth of isolate were determined as 30 ºC, 72 h and 7 respectively. Based on the biochemical characterization, the isolate was identified as Haloarcula sp.