PIGMENTS PRODUCED BY Monascus purpureus WITH REGARD TO QUALITY AND QUANTITY

A simple methanolic extraction was used to evaluate intracellular pigments produced by Monascus purpureus NRRL 2897 utilizing different carbon and nitrogen substrates. The colors of the pigment extracts were specified by C.I.E. dominant wavelength and purity as an indicator of the differences in hue and saturation. Media containing maltose as the sole carbon source yielded pigment extracts with the longest dominant wavelength (most red). Glucose and fructose containing media also yielded red pigments. Yeast extract was a superior nitrogen source for production of red pigments. The color specification of water solubilized pigment complexes depended greatly on the ammo acid or protein to which the pigment was associated. Water solubilized pigment complexes were considerably stable to pH changes but did not withstand high temperatures such as would be required for thermal processing.