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. 2011 Dec;12(12):961-8.
doi: 10.1631/jzus.B1100039.

Red pigment production by Penicillium purpurogenum GH2 is influenced by pH and temperature

Affiliations

Red pigment production by Penicillium purpurogenum GH2 is influenced by pH and temperature

Alejandro Méndez et al. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2011 Dec.

Abstract

The combined effects of pH and temperature on red pigment production and fungal morphology were evaluated in a submerged culture of Penicillium purpurogenum GH2, using Czapek-Dox media with d-xylose as a carbon source. An experimental design with a factorial fix was used: three pH values (5, 7, and 9) and two temperature levels (24 and 34 °C) were evaluated. The highest production of red pigment (2.46 g/L) was reached with a pH value of 5 and a temperature of 24 °C. Biomass and red pigment production were not directly associated. This study demonstrates that P. purpurogenum GH2 produces a pigment of potential interest to the food industry. It also shows the feasibility of producing and obtaining natural water-soluble pigments for potential use in food industries. A strong combined effect (p<0.05) of pH and temperature was associated with maximal red pigment production (2.46 g/L).

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Effects of pH and temperature on growth (a) and pigment production (b) of P. purpurogenum GH2 Different letters represent significant differences according to the Tukey test (p<0.05). * means significant difference at p<0.05
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Combined effects of pH and temperature on the morphology of P. purpurogenum GH2 at different treatments (a) 24 °C/pH 5; (b) 24 °C/pH 7; (c) 24 °C/pH 9; (d) 34 °C/pH 5; (e) 34 °C/pH 7; (f) 34 °C/pH 9
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Kinetics of water-soluble red pigments with different treatments

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