Extraction of carotenoid produced during methanol waste biodegradation

In recent studies, we have developed an applied methanol recycling technology, designed for academic institutions utilizing chromatographic applications. The waste-free concept of the method includes biodegradation steps intended for further degradation of post-processing residues. During the biodegradation process a natural pigment, a carotenoid, is biosynthesized in considerable amounts. In the present study a high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) method was used to analyze and preliminarily identify unknown pigments in the extracts of Methylobacterium organophylum used for methanol waste consumption. Analytical results and theoretical considerations led us to propose carotenoid structures, namely dihydroxylycopene (dehydroxy derivatives of oscillol) or myxol, known to be isolated from bacteria. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.