Effects of Carbon and Nitrogen Sources on Monascus purpureus S in its Secreting Pigment

Different sources and concentrations of carbon and nitrogen were applied to submerged culture of monascus purpureus S for understanding their effects in regulating pigment metabolites. Results showed that the carbon and nitrogen sources effected monascus purpureus S pigment significantly in its color unit and hue (p1%). The optimal concentrations of carbon and nitrogen for generating pigment were about 4%-5% and 2.00%-2.40%, respectively. The highest color value was observed by using mannitol as only carbon source (119.6 ug-1) and followed by rice powder (113.9 ug-1), the hue of both pigment products tended to red; the color value was low and the hue was towards yellow while applying glucose or sucrose as carbon source. By different nitrogen sources, the hue of pigment tended to yellow and orange-red with (NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3, respectively, but it would tend towards red when with either one of monosodium or peptone, respectively. The color value of products was observed in order of the highest from (NH4)2SO4, then NH4NO3, with both over 100.0 ug-1; and followed by the products from monosodium and peptone with value over 80.0 ug-1. Results suggest that NH4+ may enhance monascus purpureus S in generating yellow pigment while NO3- in red pigment.