Morpho-molecular Characterization and Optimization of Aspergillus ustus Strain KUMBASBT-52 isolated from the Litter Soil

Western Ghats is the biodiversity hotspot of the world, with its rich flora and fauna. The soil of the forest provides a niche for various microorganisms. Due to the carcinogenicity and non-eco-friendly nature of azodyes, researchers have put a spotlight on natural colorants. Filamentous fungi are a fascinating source of a wide variety of pigments. The present study focused on the isolation and characterization of a pigmentproducing fungus and optimized the physico-chemical conditions for its growth and pigment biosynthesis. The fungus was isolated from the forest litter soil collected nearby the location called Sigandooru (14°4′34″N 74°52′20″E). The isolated fungus produces extracellular urochrome-yellow pigment. Based on phenotypic and genotypic characters, the fungus was identified as Aspergillus ustus strain KUMBASBT-52 and its 18s r-RNA gene sequence was deposited at GenBank, NCBI (Accession No. MW130234). The physico-chemical parameters required for the A. ustus to yield maximum biomass and pigment were recorded as temperature 25 °C, pH 7, carbon source sucrose (2% W/V), nitrogen source sodium nitrate (1% W/V), mineral salt potassium phosphate (0.05% W/V) and amino acid tyrosine (0.5% W/V). The A. ustus strain KUMBASBT-52 can be exploited for biopigment production, which can be used as a substitute for hazardous synthetic azo dyes.