e-ISSN: 3107-6203

Authors: Malika Suthar 1, 2, Sanjay K. Singh 1, 2, *

1 National Fungal Culture Collection of India, Biodiversity and Palaeobiology Group, MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, G.G. Agarkar Road, Pune - 411004, India; 

2 Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind Road, Ganeshkhind, Pune - 411007, India. *Email: sksingh@aripune.org

Abstract

Melanin is a natural pigment found in many living organisms, including humans, animals, bacteria, and fungi. It protects against UV radiation, binds metal ions, reduces oxidative stress, and helps organisms survive heat and drought. Fungi, actinomycetes, and bacteria produce melanin in response to environmental stress. This study identifies two fungal isolates, Alternaria burnsii NFCCI 5753 and Cladosporium tenuissimum NFCCI 5754, based on morpho-molecular characters and reports the extraction and characterization of melanin pigment produced by them. The amount of melanin produced was much higher than previously reported, with 153.97 ± 0.09 mg/100 ml from A. burnsii NFCCI 5753 and 73.50 ± 0.09 mg/100 ml from C. tenuissimum NFCCI 5754. The nature of the pigment was confirmed through spectral (UV and FTIR) tests and elemental analysis.

Keywords: Elemental analysis, FTIR, Molecular studies, Morphological, UV

Document Type: Original Article

Citation: Suthar, M., & Singh, S. K. (2025). Extraction and partial characterization of melanin pigment from Alternaria burnsii NFCCI 5753 and Cladosporium tenuissimum NFCCI 5754. Mycological Spectrum 1(1):28-46.

Received: 27 March 2025 | Accepted: 12 May 2025 | Published: 20 May 2025 

Handling Editor: Dr. Shilpa A. Verekar | Reviewers: Prof. Laurent Dufossé, Prof. Kandikere Ramaiah Sridhar

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64993/MS.1.1.3