BACKGROUND:Serratia is one of the most important groups of bacteria which produces proteolytic enzymes effectively and known to possess anti-inflammatory properties. The main focus of the current study was to extract the enzyme serratiopeptidase and pigment prodigiosin from Serratia mascescens. Prodigiosin is a red colored pigment produced by the bacterium Serratia marcescens. It is emerging as a valuable molecule because of its large applications. It has already been proved that pigmented strain of Serratia marcescens is less virulent than non-pigmented strains. Moreover the strain we have obtained is from farm soil which indicates that prodigiosin production can be carried safely using this strain.

METHODS: In the present study, the isolate VITASP strain was confirmed by morphological, biochemical and molecular studies. The enzyme and pigment were analyzed for anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties.

RESULTS: The isolate was further confirmed and identified as Serratia marcescens with 99% similarity. The extracted pigment showed potent radical scavenging effect with 86% and the enzyme was found to inhibit 83%, which was significant in comparison to ascorbic acid standard. The in vitro anti-inflammatory effect of pigment in controlled experimental conditions revealed its protection at 88% and the enzyme with 90%. Aspirin was used as the reference drug. The present findings exhibited a concentration dependent inhibition. The cytotoxic bioassay of pigment showed the IC₅₀ value as (50) µg/mL with 63% cytotoxicity which was statistically significant compared to positive control.

CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, it appears to be an essential remedial and application research. It may turn out to be highly beneficial to mankind in solving many problems associated with human health.