Published Paper Details:

Actinobacteria are a diverse group of Gram-positive, filamentous microorganisms known for their remarkable ability to produce industrially valuable enzymes and natural pigments. The present investigation aimed to isolate, characterize, and evaluate pigment-producing Actinobacteria from soil and sediment samples collected from the Kumbharwada wetland region of Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India. Isolation was carried out using Gause's Synthetic Agar(GSA), resulting in a total of 23 anctinobacterial isolates, of which 13 exhibited distinct pigment production. Morphological and microscopic observations confirmed by typical morphological characteristics. Biochemical characterization using the Triple Sugar Iron(TSI) test revealed carbohydrate fermentation without gas or hydrogen sulphide production. Enzymatic screening demonstrated significant extracellular enzyme activity, including amylase, gelatinase and pectinase production, highlighting the biocatalytic potential of the isolates. Pigments were extracted using ethyl acetate and analysed using spectrophotometrically in the range of 400-800nm, revealing diverse absorption maxima indicative of different pigment types. The findings suggest that the Kumbharwada wetland is a rich reservoir of pigment-producing Actionbacteria with potential applications in food, textile, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological industries. The study emphasizes the potential of naturally derived microbial pigments and enzymes as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic counterparts.