Bacterial Pigments and its Significance

Pigments are compounds with characteristics of importance to many industries. In the food industry they are used as additives, color intensifiers, antioxidants, etc. Pigments come in a wide variety of colors, some of which are water-soluble [1]. The production colorant from biological agents for food and textile has attracted increased interests in recent years. Nature produces many biocolorants from various resources including plants and microorganisms, which are possible alternatives to synthetic dyes and pigments currently employed [2]. The recent awareness in human safety and environmental conservation has made fresh enthusiasm for natural sources of colors. Natural colorants or dyes derived from flora and fauna are believed to be safe because of non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and biodegradable in nature [3]. As the present trend throughout the world is shifting towards the use of eco-friendly and biodegradable commodities, the demand for natural colorants is increasing in every day.