Utilization and optimization of a waste stream cellulose culture medium for pigment production by Penicillium spp.

Aims This research sought to determine optimal corn waste streambased fermentation medium C and N sources and incubation time to maximize pigment production by an indigenous Indonesian Penicillium spp., as well as to assess pigment pH stability. Methods and Results A Penicillium spp. was isolated from Indonesian soil, identified as Penicillium resticulosum, and used to test the effects of carbon and nitrogen type and concentrations, medium pH, incubation period and furfural on biomass and pigment yield (PY) in a waste corncob hydrolysate basal medium. Maximum red PY (497 center dot 03 +/- 55 center dot 13mgl1) was obtained with a 21:1 C:N ratio, pH 5 center dot 56 center dot 0; yeast extract-, NH4NO3-, NaNO3-, MgSO4 center dot 7H2O-, xylose- or carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)-supplemented medium and 12days (25 degrees C, 6070% relative humidity, dark) incubation. C source, C, N and furfural concentration, medium pH and incubation period all influenced biomass and PY. Pigment was pH 29stable. Conclusions Penicillium resticulosum demonstrated microbial pH-stable-pigment production potential using a xylose or CMC and N source, supplemented waste stream cellulose culture medium. Significance and Impact of the Study Corn derived, waste stream cellulose can be used as a culture medium for fungal pigment production. Such application provides a process for agricultural waste stream resource reuse for production of compounds in increasing demand.