The Fluorescent Pigment of Pseudomonas fluorescens: Biosynthesis, Purification and Physicochemical Properties

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Abstract
The biosynthesis of a yellow-green, fluorescent, water-soluble pigment by P. fluorescens occurred only when the bacteria were Fe-deficient and was not directly influenced by the nature of the organic C source. The pigment formed a very stable Fe3+ complex and was purified in this form. P. fluorescens produced only 1 molecular species of fluorescent pigment; but its lability under mild alkaline conditions led to the formation of several pigmented decomposition products. The spectral properties of the pure pigment, its MW (1500 .+-. 75) and its stability constant for Fe3+ (of the order of 1032) were determined. Both its biosynthesis and its chemical properties (formation of a stable Fe3+ complex) suggest that the fluorescent pigment is a desferrisiderophore.