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

A.M. Musaalbakri, A. Ariff, M. Rosfarizan and A.K.M. Ismail

Abstract

The experimental data from batch fermentation were analysed to form a kinetic model of the process. The unstructured model, based on logistic and Leudeking- Piret equations, was suitable to describe growth, substrate consumption and red pigment production by Monascus purpureus FTC 5391. The maximum specific growth rate (μ_max) of 0.055/h and 0.065/h were obtained from simulated modelling of M. purpureus FTC 5391 during growth in shake flask and 2-litre stirred tank fermenter, respectively. The maximum red pigment, P_max and cell concentrations, X_max obtained in batch fermentation using 2-litre stirred tank fermenter (20.63 UA₅₀₀ and 13.2 g/litre) and using shake flask (9.26 UA₅₀₀ and 11.425 g/litre) with overall productivity (P) was 0.122 UA₅₀₀/h and 0.055 UA₅₀₀/h, 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.

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