Production of Monascus-Pigment in a Submerged Culture

Abstract

The production of pigment by the molds belonging to the genus Monascus in a submerged culture was examined. The extracellular pigment was mainly studied. Monascus sp. No. 2 was found to be the most potent pigment producer. The optimum cultural conditions were: pH of the medium, 6.5; the temperature, 25°C; carbon sources, glucose or ethyl alcohol; nitrogen sources, polypeptone, yeast extract, monosodium glutamate or casamino acids. Glycine, L-threonine, L-arginine, L-alanine and L-tyrosine were found to be the most effective substances promoting pigment production. Mycelial forms of this strain were correlated with pigment formation in submerged culture. As it grew into pellet type, the yield of pigment was at high level. The Monascus-pigment in the fermentation liquid seemed to be firmly bound to the proteinlike substances which made the pigment apparently soluble. © 1975, Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry. All rights reserved.