Microbial pigments obtained from a wide variety of microorganisms, such as Rhodotorula, Phaffia, Micrococcus, Monascus, Bacillus, Achromobacter, Chlorella, have gained significant attention due to their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, as well as biodegradability and optimized extraction protocols.

These pigments, primarily carotenoids, play a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative stress and are highly valued across various industries including food, textiles, and nutraceuticals.

With a progressive understanding of microbial biosynthesis, researchers have been able to optimize processes for large-scale production, enhancing both productivity and potency for antimicrobial or antioxidant purposes. The use of these pigments in processed food or nutraceutical industry using low-cost feedstock has been well investigated and several types of waste, including agricultural, industrial and food waste, have been used for lowering down production costs, yielding large economic potential plus reducing environmental problems.

These pigments need to be developed as coproducts through sustainable biorefinery models.
However, achieving cost-effective production using low-cost substrates and waste materials, such as agricultural and industrial by-products, poses several challenges. These include issues related to pigment stability and variations in composition during extraction, which necessitate further research and the development of innovative strategies.

This Research Topic aims to foster a comprehensive exploration of sustainable, low-cost production techniques for microbial pigments within a circular economy framework. The objective is to enhance both economic viability and environmental sustainability through innovative bioprocessing technologies, strain engineering, and the utilization of waste materials as feedstocks. This entails overcoming current challenges in production stability and efficiency through advanced biotechnological approaches and process optimization.

To gather further insights in this multidisciplinary field, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Strategies for optimizing microbial carotenogenesis.

o Utilization of waste as low-cost substrates in pigment production.

o Innovations in green extraction methods and downstream processing.

o Antimicrobial activity of microbial pigments.

o Implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning in process control and optimization.

o Circular economy implementations in bio-pigment production.

Through this Research Topic, we aim to compile a body of work that not only advances the science of microbial pigment production but also contributes significantly to sustainable practices and economic strategies in line with the principles of the circular economy.

In this Research Topic we welcome the following article types: Hypothesis & Theory, Methods, Mini Review, Opinion, Original Research, Perspective, Review, Systematic Review.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Advancing Circular Economy: Approaches to Microbial Pigment Production