Yellow Pigment from Fast-growing Marine Soil Bacteria Citricoccus sp. for Dyeing Cotton Fabrics

Aims: The study’s objective is to isolate, characterize pigment-producing bacteria from marine soil and to optimize culture parameters such as pH, temperature, carbon, nitrogen sources to enhance the pigment production. The obtained pigment was used to dye cotton fabrics and woollen thread.

Place and Duration of Study: The samples were collected from the Marina beach, Chennai, Tamil Nadu and the study was carried out at the Department of Animal Biotechnology, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai, between January 2021- April 2021.

Methodology: From the soil sample fast-growing yellow pigmented bacteria was isolated and the morphological characteristics were observed. Gram staining, biochemical test, sugar fermentation test, motility test was performed and 16S rDNA sequencing was done. Pigment was extracted through solvent extraction method, characterized through UV-Spec and FTIR. The phytochemicals test was done and the culture conditions were optimized to bring out maximum pigment yield. The pigment was then used to dye cotton fabrics and woollen threads.

Results: The isolated yellow-pigmented bacteria was identified as Citricoccus sp. and the pigment is confirmed as carotenoid compound and through optimizing the culture conditions, the pigment production was increased significantly. The woollen thread and cotton fabrics were dyed effectively and uniformly with the use of copper sulphate(CuSO4) as mordant.

Conclusion: The result of this study reveals that Citricoccus sp. is a fast-growing bacterium capable of producing a higher amount of pigment in 24-hour period. Since it is confirmed to be a carotenoid compound, it is safe to be used as a dye. The extraction process is cost-effective and economical, this study can be expanded to explore the potential applications of the pigment in the textile and dyeing industries.