Selection of Pigment (Melanin) production in Streptomyces and their application in Printing and Dyeing of Wool Fabrics

Abstract

Four strains among 30 Streptomyces were isolated producing a diffusible different pigment in eight different media. Streptomyces virginiae was the most producer of a diffusible dark brown pigment on both peptone-yeast extract and tyrosine liquid medium. Some factors affecting on the pigment production were studied. The optimum pH was observed at 6 with 10 days of the Streptomyces age and five days of incubation on a rotary shaker (180 rpm) at 30 ◦C. The intensity of the pigment was affected by addition of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus sources. Co, Mg and pb SO4 were increased the intensity of the pigment production. The pigment produced at optimum condition had been used to dye and print the wool fabrics, the color strength values and fastness properties of samples were investigated. At the optimum conditions the dyed and printed wool fabrics posses color strength values 12, 10.5 respectively and very good fastness properties of washing,, perspiration and light fastness. The antimicrobial activity of the extracted pigment has been investigated.