Production of red pigments by Monascus purpureus in submerged culture

For the purpose of mass producing Monascus red pigments optimum medium composition and environmental conditions were investigated in submerged flask cultures. The optimum carbon and nitrogen sources were determined to be 30 g/L of glucose and 1.5 g/L of monosodium glutamate (MSG). Of the three metals examined, Fe2+ showed the strongest stimulatory effect on pigment production and some stimulatory effect was also found in Mn2+. Optimum pH and agitation speed were determined to be 6.5 and 700 rpm, respectively. Under the optimum culture conditions batch fermentation showed that the maximum biomass yield and specific productivity of red pigments were 0.20 g DCW/g glucose and, 32.5 OD500 g DCW-1 h -1, respectively.