Abstract
Studies have been carried out on the conditions and mechanism of pigment production of Ps. aeruginosa and it has been found that pigment production is the greatest, when glutamic acid is added in a concentration of 0.1 M. to a basic medium composed of KH2PO2, MgSO4, and NaCl.
With this medium, a brilliant yellow pigment is produced soon (in about 13 hours) by many of the strains of Pseudomonas and a pronounced fluorescence is presented under ultra violet radiation at the same time. With further cultivation, characteristic pyocyanin is produced and with some strains, red pigment is produced while the yellow pigment is maintained in the case of other strains.
Compared to other media, the pigment and fluorescence with the glutamic acid medium are produced earlier and the intensity is more pronounced.
The culture fluid was examined by paper chromatography and the findings suggest that there is a relationship between changes in the glutamic acid and the formation of the green and red pigment.
The ultraviolet absorption curve of the culture fluid filtrate suggests that there is a conversion from the fluorescent substance in the early stage to the later green and red pigment.
It is believed that this glutamic acid medium will serve as a valuable aid in the isolation of Psuedomonas and for studying pigment production of this organism.
