The article discusses the importance of bacterial pigments, particularly carotenoids, in food production and processing. Carotenoids are a class of polyene compounds that are widely found in plants, algae, fungi, and bacteria. They not only give organisms bright colors but also possess various biological functions such as antioxidant activity, photoprotection, and immune regulation. The article focuses on the carotenoids produced by Deinococcus bacteria, which are extremophiles that can survive in extreme environments. These bacteria produce carotenoids as a defense mechanism against oxidative stress and radiation. The article reviews the physicochemical properties and applications of carotenoids, as well as the biosynthetic pathway and key enzymes involved in their production. It also discusses metabolic engineering techniques used to enhance carotenoid production in Deinococcus, including genetic engineering and modifications to culture conditions. The article highlights the potential of carotenoids as natural ingredients in food supplements and their importance in conferring stress resistance to Deinococcus bacteria.
Transforming our understanding of Deinococcus bacteria’s microbial pigments: Unveiling the secrets of their synthesis, engineering, and multifaceted biological functions.
