Production of red pigments by Monascus purpureus in solid-state culture

In this study various nutritional and environmental parameters such as, initial moisture content, pH. inoculum size, air rate, sample size and nutrient supplement that influence pigment production were evaluated in solid-state cultures. optimum initial moisture content and pH were determined to be 50% and 6.0, respectively. The supplement of the substrate with different carbon, nitrogen, and mineral source reveals a more inhibitive effect as the substrate concentration increase. optimum aeration rate was determined to be 2vvm in flask culture. The maximum amount of red pigment, 3500 OD/g dried fermented rice, was obtained in optimum conditions which is obtained in solid flask culture.