The objective of this research was to study pigments and monacolin K production
by Monascus purpureus using whole sorghum grain, dehulled sorghum grain and sorghum bran
as substrates. Monascus purpureus, isolated from commercial Monascus-fermented rice was
used in the fermentation of the whole sorghum grain, dehulled sorghum grain and sorghum
bran treated with or without soaking. After sterilization, the substrate was inoculated with
Monascus purpureus culture containing 5 x 105
spores/mL, then incubated at 30o
C with 70%
relative humidity for 14 days