Optimization of indigo production process from indole using a newly isolated phenol-degrading bacterial strain was performed by Plackett-Burman design and response surface methodology. The strain designated as QM was identified as Pseudomonas sp. according to 16S rDNA analysis. Spectrum analysis of indole biotransformation products revealed the presence of indigo and a by-product indirubin. To improve indigo yield, Plackett-Burman design was used to select significant factors from 8 viriables. Then response surface methodology based on a 2(3) central composite design was used to further optimize the transformation process. Under the optimal conditons, strain QM can produce 27.20 mg/l indigo after 24 h cultivation at 30 °C, which was 151.3% higher than that from the initial conversion condition. The results indicated that Pseudomonas sp. QM should be a potential candidate for indigo industial production.
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