Cardona-Cardona, Vanessa Z.

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    Molecular analysis, physiological study and biotechnological capabilities of Blue Pigmented Bacteria from Puerto Rico.
    (2010) Cardona-Cardona, Vanessa Z.; Ríos-Velázquez, Carlos; College of Arts and Sciences - Sciences; Schellekens, Johannes; Santos Flores, Carlos J.; Department of Biology; Gilbes Santaella, Fernando
    In the microbial world, pigments are one of the most interesting characteristics. There are many bacterial pigments, but some of them, such as blue pigments are unusual. Blue-pigmented bacteria (BPB) are very uncommon; only 4 described genera share this trait. That is why the main objective of this research was to isolate and characterize BPB from Puerto Rico. Three BPB bacteria were isolated, one from Mayagüez, one from Ponce, and one from San German. The isolate from Mayagüez was lost due to a technical failure with the storage place. The other two isolates were morphologically and microscopically analyzed by performing staining and using Scanning Electron Microscopy, and by growing at optimal pH and different temperatures. It was observed that the blue pigment is only produced at 25°C, suggesting that it is sensitive to temperature. The biochemical activities were analyzed using appropriate selective and differential microbiological media and biochemical tests. Previous studies of Vogesella indigofera were used to compare with the results of the unknown bacteria. The 16s rDNA’s of the microorganisms were amplified, sequenced and analyzed in silico. The result of this study showed that the unknown organism is very similar to V. indigofera, a microorganism used as a bioindicator for chromium-contaminated areas. The genes involved in the pigment production were amplified in both bacteria. All of the genes were compared with the one portrayed for V. indigofera and found to be very similar to the ones described for the mentioned bacteria. Different experiments with metals (chromium and copper) and hydrocarbons (diesel and biodiesel) were performed to establish the biotechnological potential of the blue pigmented isolates. Of the two isolates only the one from Ponce was able to grow in one of the assays (in 0.2mM copper). Here is an in depth study of the BPB isolated from Puerto Rico.