Non-targeted metabolomics revealed that the release mechanism of Tween-80 interferes with prodigiosin synthesis and release by Serratia marcescens SDSPY-136

Serratia marcescens produce prodigiosin as a high-value intracellular secondary metabolite. However, the effect of Tween-80 on prodigiosin release remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the physiological characteristics and metabolic mechanisms of S. marcescens in the presence of Tween-80. The results showed that Tween-80 significantly affected prodigiosin's synthesis and extracellular release. Significant changes in cell morphology and zeta (ζ) potential were observed during cell growth. In addition, 245 differential metabolites were identified by non-targeted metabolomics analysis, indicating that Tween-80 affects the metabolism of fatty acids, amino acids, extra-long-chain fatty acids, and their derivatives. Enrichment pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment of lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and other pathways. Finally, in conjunction with the metabolomics results, a prodigiosin yield was achieved at 6.5 g/L in 5 L bioreactors using fed-batch fermentation. The results of this study have significant implications for the regulation of prodigiosin synthesis and metabolism.