Jackfruit seed - A novel substrate for the production of Monascus pigments through solid-state fermentation

Abstract

Solid-state fermentation was carried out using jackfruit seed powder as substrate for the production of pigments using a fungal culture of Monascus purpureus. Due to the buffering nature of jackfruit seed powder, colour of pigments produced was stable over a wide range of initial pH of the substrate. Jackfruit seed powder with a particle size between 0.4 and 0.6 mm without any additional carbon source was found to be the best for pigment production. Water-soluble pigments were produced when jackfruit seed powder was supplemented with monosodium glutamate, soybean meal, peptone or chitin powder. The addition of external nitrogenous compounds showed a positive impact on water-soluble pigment production.