Regulation of Growth and Pigmentation of Monascus purpureus by Carbon and Nitrogen Concentrations

Abstract

Growth and pigment production of M. purpureus were affected by the ratio of glucose to ammonium nitrate concentration in a synthetic medium. Mycelial growth increased with an increase of glucose and ammonium nitrate concentrations. Larger amounts of ammonium nitrate were required to give maximum growth in media containing higher concentrations of glucose. The level of ammonium nitrate for maximum pigment production was much lower than that for maximum growth, even at high glucose concentrations. Total pigmentation increased with increased glucose concentration. Greater amounts of red pigments were formed in media containing high levels of ammonium nitrate and low glucose. Mucelial growth and pigment production decreased above 50 g/l ammonium nitrate.