Kinetics and modeling of red pigment fermentation by Monascus purpureus FTC 5391 in 2-litre stirred tank fermenter using glucose as a carbon source

The experimental data from batch fermentation were analysed to form a kinetic model of the process. The unstructured model, based on logistic and LeudekingPiret equations, was suitable to describe growth, substrate consumption and red pigment production by Monascus purpureus FTC 5391. The maximum specific growth rate (Jimax ) of 0.055/h and 0.0651h were obtained from simulated modeling of M. purpureus FTC 5391 during growth in shake flask and 2-litre stirred tank fermenter, respectively. The maximum red pigment, Pmax and cell concentrations, Xmax obtained in batch fermentation using 2-litre stirred tank fermenter (20.63 UAsoo and 13.2 g/litre) and using shake flask (9.26 UAsoo and 11.425 g/litre) with overall productivity (P) was 0.122 UAsoolh and 0.055 UAsoolh, respectively. The production of red-pigment by M. purpureus FTC 5391 appeared to be a non-growth associated process; whereby rapid red-pigment production occurred during non-growth phase after the depletion of glucose in the medium.