Repeated-batch production of pigments by immobilised Monascus purpureus

Extracellular pigment production by immobilised Monascus purpurcus C322 has been studied in repeated-batch processes using different immobilising carriers such as Ca-alginate, polyurethane sponge, active carbon and pearlite. With Ca-alginate, pigment production was maximum (30.5 UA(470) as process mean production, three batches) while the cell leakage was negligible (0.4 g l(-1) free biomass) and the bead mechanical stability good; with this carrier, an extended repeated-batch fermentation (nine batches, 55 days) was carried out: the process pigment productivity was 3.87 UA(470) day(-1). (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.