Violacein is a naturally-occurring bis-indolepigment with antibiotic (anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-tumor) properties.[1][2][3][4] Violacein is produced by several species of bacteria, including Chromobacterium violaceum, and gives these organisms their striking purple hues. Violacein shows increasing commercially interesting uses, especially for industrial applications in cosmetics, medicines and fabrics.
^Durán N, Justo GZ, Durán M, Brocchi M, Cordi L, Tasic L, et al. (2016). "Advances in Chromobacterium violaceum and properties of violacein-Its main secondary metabolite: A review". Biotechnology Advances. 34 (5): 1030–1045. doi:10.1016/j.biotechadv.2016.06.003. hdl:11336/49517. PMID27288924.
^Myeong NR, Seong HJ, Kim HJ, Sul WJ (April 2016). "Complete genome sequence of antibiotic and anticancer agent violacein producing Massilia sp. strain NR 4-1". Journal of Biotechnology. 223: 36–37. doi:10.1016/j.jbiotec.2016.02.027. PMID26916415.