Response of pigmented Serratia marcescens to the illumination

Variations in the illumination conditions (light/darkness) affected both the biosynthesis of prodigiosin and energy metabolism of the pigmented strain ATCC 9986 Serratia marcescens growing aerobical in the batch culture were shown. In the process incubation the transition of the pigmented culture from illumination within (24 h, 48 h) in the dark conditions increased the prodigiosin synthesis by 2.0, 2.5 times, respectively. At the same time, the illumination did not influence the prodigiosin biosynthesis in the stationary growth phase. In the initial period of prodigiosin synthesis the rate of oxygen consumption was higher than later when the pigment synthesis gradually decreased. The respiration activity of colorless strain 24-5 is not independent from the lighting conditions. The regulation of energetic pathways in the light and in darkness has been revealed. Prodigiosin is associated with the hydrophobic protein and it is represented pigment protein complex by diameter of particles less 100 kDa. Fluorescence spectrum of prodigiosin and it the absorption spectra of derivatives of high orders DIV and DVIII were described.

► The light influence both the pigment biosynthesis and energy metabolism of Serratia marcescens.
► The pigment synthesis will increase at the transition the cells from light to dark conditions.
► The rate of oxygen consumption by culture is the highest in the exponential phase.
► Prodigiosin will represent by pigment protein complex as particles less 100 KDa.