Enhancing bioprocessing of red pigment from immobilized culture of gamma rays mutant of the endophytic fungus Monascus ruber SRZ112

<p>Considerable attention has been paid to exploring the biotechnological applications of several Monascus sp.
for pigment production. In this study, our focus is on enhancing the bioprocessing of red pigment (RP) derived
from the endophytic fungus Monascus ruber SRZ112. To achieve this, we developed a stable mutant strain
with improved productivity through gamma irradiation. This mutant was then employed in the immobilization tech nique using various entrapment carriers. Subsequently, we optimized the culture medium for maximal RP produc tion using the Response Surface Methodology. Finally, these immobilized cultures were successfully utilized for RP
production using a semi-continuous mode of fermentation. After eight cycles of fermentation, the highest RP yield
by immobilized mycelia reached 309.17 CV mL−1, a signifcant increase compared to the original titer. Importantly, this
study marks the frst report on the successful production of Monascus RP in a semi-continuous mode using gamma
rays’ mutant strain, ofering prospects for commercial production.</p>