Prodigiosin Production and Photoprotective/Antigenotoxic Properties in Serratia marcescens Indigenous Strains from Eastern Cordillera of Colombia

Serratia marcescens is a bacterial species that produces an antibacterial pigment (Prodigiosin) showing a wide adaptive response to environmental stresses. The study aimed to investigate Prodigiosin production in S. marcescens wild-type strains, as well as its relation to photoprotection and antigenotoxicity against UVB. Prodigiosin yield was spectrophotometrically assayed in extracts of bacterial strains grown in different culture media. In vitro photoprotection efficacy was evaluated using the in vitro indices sun protection factor (SPFin vitro ) and critical wavelength (λc). The percentage of UVB antigenotoxicity estimates (%GI) in the SOS Chromotest was also evaluated. Correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between Prodigiosin yield, SPFin vitro , %GI estimates and environmental traits (altitude, temperature, rainfall and solar irradiance). Prodigiosin yield in S. marcescens strains varied depending on culture media used for its growth, and it was correlated with environmental variables such as temperature and solar irradiance. SPFin vitro estimates were well correlated with Prodigiosin concentration and %GI values in the bacterial strains being studied. UVB photoprotective efficacy of the extracts obtained from S. marcescens strains depends on the strain's Prodigiosin yield and its antigenotoxic potential. The extracts with Prodigiosin yield higher than ~17 μg mL-1 could be used as sources of sunscreen ingredients.