Unique processes yielding pure azaphilones in Talaromyces atroroseus

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Biotechnology
• Food Science

Background:

• Azaphilones are fungal pigments, often from Monascus species, used as food colorants (red yeast rice).
• Current production yields pigment mixtures, posing challenges in control and quantification.
• Talaromyces atroroseus is a fungal species capable of producing azaphilone pigments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a controlled cultivation protocol for selective production of individual azaphilone pigments.
• To utilize single amino acids as the sole nitrogen source for tailored pigment synthesis.
• To develop a reproducible method for producing pure atrorosins.

Main Methods:

• Submerged fermentation of Talaromyces atroroseus using single amino acids as the nitrogen source.
• Demonstration of pigment synthesis using 18 proteinogenic and 1 non-proteinogenic amino acids.
• Development of specific cultivation methods for pure serine derivative (atrorosin S) production.

Main Results:

• Selective production of individual azaphilone pigments (atrorosins) was achieved.
• Atrorosins were identified as amino acid derivatives of Penicillium purpurogenum-orange (PP-O).
• Yields of 0.9 g/L for pure atrorosin S were obtained using optimized cultivation methods.

Conclusions:

• Switching nitrogen source from KNO3 to single amino acids enables pure atrorosin production.
• This method simplifies downstream processing and increases the commercial viability of azaphilone production.
• The findings enhance the potential of fungal cell factories for producing specific azaphilone pigments.