Abstract:The pigment production via liquid-state fermentation by monuscus F4018, immobilized on sodium alginate, was studied. In the first fermentation phase (0~48 h), the cells growth rapidly but only a small quantity of pigment was produced. In the balanced phase (48~96 h), pigments were produced in a great quantity (>85%) and the synthesis rate of the red pigment was higher than that of the yellow pigment. After 96 h, the pigment values became to slowly drop. Compared with the traditional pigment fermentation, the immobilized cell mediated fermentation had similar cell growth phase, longer and more stable balanced phase and slower decline phase, which was more favorable for the pigment production. Besides, the immobilized cells showed higher operational stability, suitable for the modern industry with a large scale.
