Optimization of Monascus culture medium using agro-industrial by-products for maximizing azaphilone pigment production with minimal citrinin formation

Nouri, Marjan

doi:10.22092/fooder.2026.374043.1477

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Marjan Nouri

Department of Food Science and Technology Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen Branch, Tehran, Iran

10.22092/fooder.2026.374043.1477

Abstract

Natural pigments of the azaphilone family produced by species of Monascus are considered ideal alternatives to synthetic colorants in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries due to their biological properties and coloring capabilities. This study aimed to produce azaphilone pigments from Monascus purpureus using agricultural and industrial wastes, reduce citrinin production, and evaluate the pigment biological properties. Pigment production was investigated under submerged fermentation (SmF) and solid-state fermentation (SSF) using rice bran, corn powder, soybean meal, and molasses as the main carbon and nitrogen sources. Temperature, pH, and aeration were evaluated to achieve maximum pigment yield, and preliminary purification of the extracts was performed. Pigment production in SmF ranged from 38.5 to 76.15 AU/mL, whereas for SSF was 185 to 330 AU/g. Biomass production in SmF ranged from 1.6 to 12 g/L, while SSF was 14.6 to 31.8 g/100 g. Citrinin concentrations in SmF and SSF ranged from 10.2 to 24.5 mg/L and 6.1 to 13.5 mg/kg, respectively. The pigment-to-citrinin ratio was significantly higher in SSF than in SmF. S6, consisting of rice bran, corn powder, soybean meal, and molasses at 50%, 30%, 15%, and 5%, respectively, was selected as the optimum treatment. The purified pigment exhibited desirable antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, significant antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 0.42 mg/mL), and an antiproliferative effect against Caco-2 cells (IC₅₀ = 145.51 µg/mL). The results demonstrated that solid-state fermentation using agricultural and industrial wastes is an efficient approach for the production of natural Monascus pigments and has considerable commercialization in the food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries.

Keywords

Main Subjects

بهینه سازی

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Optimization of Monascus culture medium using agro-industrial by-products for maximizing azaphilone pigment production with minimal citrinin formation

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References

Volume 25, Issue 2September 2026Pages 79-94

Volume 25, Issue 2
September 2026
Pages 79-94