Studies on the bioactive properties of Penicillium mallochi ARA-1 pigment isolated from coffee plantation

The use of natural pigments has increased many folds recently due to their enormous advantages over synthetic pigments. Microbial pigments have gained global attention because of their non-toxicity and biodegradability, and hence act as an effective component for human use. The application of microbial pigments in the field of textile dyeing, food industry, and in the pharmaceutical sector as an active therapeutic ingredient has enabled them to have a significant impact on the economy of most countries. The present work focuses on the therapeutic potential of pigment extracted from Penicillium mallochi ARA1 (MT373688.1) strain isolated from Coffee plantation. The pigment was extracted using bioassay-guided column chromatography and the active fractions purified in subsequent steps using Thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The antioxidant, antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties were analyzed to demonstrate its therapeutic abilities. Results obtained reveal that the pigment has good antioxidant properties and provides evidence of antimicrobial effect against Staphylococcus epidermidis. The antibiofilm test using crystal violet assay shows that the pigment has the potential to inhibit biofilm formation with increasing concentrations.