Violacein is an intense violet pigment formed by the condensation of two tryptophan units, found in a number of bacteria, notably Chromobacterium violaceum. The regulation of pigment biosynthesis is the chromogenic basis for the use of C. violaceum CV26 for the detection of quorum sensing mediators. Violacein cell toxicity resembles TNF-α signal transduction.
Violacein is soluble in ethanol, methanol, DMF and DMSO.
| Mechanism of Action | Violacein exhibits broad spectrum activity against bacteria, protozoans (including malaria), viruses and mammalian cell lines. |
| Molecular Formula | C20H13N3O3 |
| References |
Beer RJS et al (1949) The chemistry of bacteria. Part II. Some degradation products of Violacein. J. Chem. Soc. 885 Ferreira CV et al (2004) Molecular mechanism of Violacein-mediated human leukemia cell death. Blood 104: 1459 |
