Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Walstrom, Katherine

Area of Concentration

Chemistry

Abstract

A soil sample taken from Leffis Key in Bradenton led to the discovery of a bacterial isolate capable of producing bright pink-pigmented colonies in culture. Identification of the isolate was done using a polyphasic approach that included biochemical characterization and multi-locus sequence analysis with genes found in the isolate genome. The isolate was identified as a member of the Vibrio genus within the Gazogenes clade. Some of the pigment molecules responsible for the vibrant pink color observed in culture were purified via a series of steps including flash chromatography. Mass spectrometry analysis of the chemical extract identified the pigment molecules as related members of the prodiginine family. Additionally, a prodiginine biosynthesis gene cluster consisting of 13 genes with sequence homology to prosigiosin biosynthesis gene clusters in Serratia species was found in the genome of the isolate. Prodigiosins are biomolecules produced by a variety of bacterial organism as secondary metabolites. They are often brightly colored pigment molecules with unique chemical properties. These compounds have been studied for their antibacterial, anti-malarial and anti-cancer properties. Prodigiosins also have potential applications in industry, as their brightly colored appearance makes them ideal candidates for natural dyes.

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