Microbial Production of Coloured Azaphilone Metabolites

Authors

  • M. Sturdikova Department of Biochemical Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Slovak Technical University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
  • D. Slugen Department of Biochemical Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Slovak Technical University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
  • K. Lesova Department of Biochemical Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Slovak Technical University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
  • M. Rosenberg Department of Biochemical Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Slovak Technical University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic

Abstract

Azaphilones, fungal secondary metabolites of the pyranequinone structure, react with ammonia yielding vinylogous 4-pyridones. The pigments also react with amines, such as proteins, amino acids and nucleic acids, to form water-soluble pigments. Their most remarkable and valuable properties include the natural origin, yellow-red spectra, thermostability (in comparison with other natural red pigments), and easy derivatization. So far, they have been identified in a variety of fungal sources. Of the microorganisms tested, only genera Monascus, Penicillium and Chaetomium are good producers of azaphilone pigments. However, similar structures were also identified in Aspergillus ustus, Cochliobolus lunata, Talaromyces sp. and Emericella falconensis. The microorganisms could be a promising source of the new group of natural pigments for food and cosmetic industry.

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Published

2000-03-15

How to Cite

Sturdikova, M., Slugen, D., Lesova, K., & Rosenberg, M. (2000). Microbial Production of Coloured Azaphilone Metabolites. Chemické Listy, 94(2). Retrieved from http://ww.chemicke-listy.cz/ojs3/index.php/chemicke-listy/article/view/2535

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Articles