Biotechnological potential of Monascus: Biological aspects, metabolites of interest, and opportunities for new products

Autor(es)

Arruda, Gabriel Leda ; Reis, Willian S. M. ; Raymundo, Maria Teresa F. R. ; Shibukawa, Vinicius P. ; Cruz-Santos, Monica M. ; Silos, Nayeli Ortiz ; Prado, Carina A. ; Marcelino, Paulo R. F. ; da Silva, Silvio S. ; Santos, Julio C.

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH; v. 297, p. 16-pg., 2025-08-01.

Resumo

The need to develop more sustainable products and processes qualifies microbial platforms for obtaining products as a highlighted interesting solution. In this context, filamentous fungi that produce biopigments have been emphasized, especially in the development of research, products and industrial applications. Among the different species, the genus Monascus stands out, either because of its popular use in traditional communities or even because of its versatile growth capacity. Indeed, it is able to metabolize different substrates, including agroindustrial wastes and by-products, as well as allowing different cultivation approaches, such as solid-state and submerged fermentation, for the production of biopigments. Its best-known products include biopigments (yellow, orange and red) and diverse secondary metabolites which have proven biological properties and have great potential in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. This review presents the biotechnological, biochemical, and innovation potential of fungi from the genus Monascus, encompassing their historical importance, recent studies on cultivation and production of biopigments, beside the potential of this emerging platform for producing microbial biopigments. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 23/18061-8 - Valorização do resíduo agrícola pseudocaule de bananeira para produção de biopigmentos fúngicos
• Beneficiário: Maria Teresa Ferreira Ramos Raymundo
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado Direto