Optimization of Carotenoid Production by Paracoccus beibuensis Isolated from Lonar Crater

Background Carotenoid are terpenoid pigment having antioxidant activities and many therapeutic applications. Results In current study, an orange pigment producing bacteria, Paracoccus beibuensis was isolated from Lonar crater in Buldhana District, Maharashtra, India. Methanolic extract of orange pigment produced from Paracoccus beibuensis was analyzed by spectrophotometer within 400-600nm and max was found at 472nm with one peak spectra and shoulder region which is characteristic of Carotenoid i. e. Astaxanthin. The cultivation condition for orange pigment production were optimized by using one at a time approach as- initial pH 9.5, incubation temperature 300C, 120 rpm as agitation and aeration condition, 72h as time of incubation, 1 % inoculum, 25mL volume of media in 100ml capacity flask and incubation in white light. Crude extraction of pigment was done and it analyzed by TLC, where Rf value of hypophase was found 0.63 which suggest the presence of xanthophyll. Under optimal conditions, the yield of orange pigment was achieved as 2mg/L. Conclusion The extracted pigment belongs to Xanthophyll which are oxygenated carotenoid. Initial studies on purification and analysis suggest presence of Astaxanthin. Astaxanthin have strong antioxidant activity and many therapeutic applications. Key words- Paracoccus beibuensis, optimization, Lonar crater, orange pigment, xanthophyll.