Application of microbial pigments in the pharmaceutical industry: current status and opportunities

Microbial pigments are a diverse group of compounds synthesized by microorganisms, which have attracted considerable scientific interest due to their multifaceted biological properties and significant potential in pharmaceutical applications. These pigments demonstrate various activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects, often mediated by intricate interactions with cellular components such as membranes, proteins, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). For example, antimicrobial pigments can compromise membrane integrity or inhibit protein synthesis, while anti-inflammatory pigments modulate key signaling pathways involved in inflammation. This review explores the different microorganisms capable of producing different pigments. Furthermore, it examines the technological applications, including their potential use in pharmaceuticals and their current commercial use. In addition, clinical cases demonstrating the efficacy of microbial pigments in various therapeutic contexts will be presented. Moving forward, microbial pigments are poised to play a pivotal role in drug development and other biomedical applications, offering some sustainable solutions to various challenges in medicine and industry.