Statistical optimization of culture medium for yellow pigment production by Thermomyces sp.

In present study, Thermomyces sp. were able to produce high yield of yellow pigments screened. Pigment production by Thermomyces sp was optimized by employing factorial design and response surface techniques in submerged fermentation. The variables evaluated were the concentrations of, sucrose, yeast extract, ammonium sulphate, magnesium sulphate and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate having as response pigment production. One factor at-a-time method was employed for the optimization of media components. Response surface methodology (RSM) optimized these nutrient parameters for maximum yellow pigment production (1387 OD units), which resulted at 35.5 g/L sucrose 5.5 g/L yeast extract, 2.5 g/L NH4SO4, 0.3 g/L MgSO4 and 1.0 g/L K2HPO4 in the medium. Response surface methodology (RSM) was further used to determine the optimum values of process variables for maximum yellow pigment production. The fit of the quadratic model was found to be significant. A significant increase in yellow pigment production was achieved using RSM

Optimization of fermentation conditions for red pigment production from Penicillium sp. under submerged cultivation

An extracellular pigment-producing ascomycetous filamentous fungi belonging to the genera Penicillium was obtained from soil and its optimal culture conditions investigated. The optimal culture conditions for pigment production were as follows; soluble starch 2% (670 units), peptone (880 units), pH 9.0 (900 units); temperature 30°C (950 units), agitation 200 rpm (920 units), and inoculums age 4 days (850 units). The properties of pigments and their residual content after exposing to the variousphysico-chemical conditions like sunlight, fluorescent light, UV light, high temperature and preservatives (sodium bisulfate, ascorbic acid and citric acid) are also investigated

Toxicity evaluation of fungal food colourant from <i>Thermomyces</i> sp. in albino mice

773-777This study evaluates acute and sub-acute toxicity on albino mice of yellow pigment isolated from Thermomyces sp. for food application to assess its safety in experimental animals. Oral feeding of Thermomyces sp. (0.5-5.0 g/kg body wt) to adult mice did not show any symptoms of toxicity or mortality of mice. Oral feeding of Thermomyces sp. at 0.25-2.0% level (w/w) for 28 days did not produce any significant changes in body weight gain of experimental mice compared to control mice. There were no significant differences in relative weight of vital organs, hematological parameters and histopathological analysis between experimental and control groups. Thus acute and sub-acute oral feeding of fungal pigment did not produce any toxic effects in male and female mice

Natural dye production from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Thermomyces</i> sp fungi for textile application

276-279The present study is aimed at evaluating and optimizing the dyeing potential of fungal pigment for different fabrics. The yellow pigment produced from Thermomyces sp. has been purified and used for dyeing processes. The effect of process parameters of dyeing, such as pH, temperature, time duration, mordants, colour intensity and fastness properties, has been studied and the conditions are optimized. The dyeing capacity of Thermomyces sp pigments is studied in cotton, silk and wool fabrics. The pigment shows high affinity with silk fabrics and is found to give good light fastness (rating 4), colour fastness to washing (rating 4-5) and colour fastness to rubbing (rating 3-4). The optimum conditions for dyeing are found to be 30 °C, 3 pH, Myrobalan mordant and 20 min duration. The pigment shows a maximum bacteria reduction in the silk dyed sample against <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Salmonella typhi (51.05 %)

Potentials of Constructed Wetland for the Treatment of Wastewater from Cocopeat Production Industry

The cocopeat production industry generates a significant amount of wastewater containing high organic loads and chemical residues, posing environmental challenges and economic concerns. This study aims to assess the potential of constructed wetlands as an innovative and sustainable approach for managing coco peat production industry wastewater. An artificial wetland was created and filled with 30% soil, 40% sand, 10% bio and hydrochar, and 20% gravel along with Canna indica was used as the plant component. Three types of hydraulic loading rates were studied: 5 ml/min, 10 ml/min, and 15 ml/min, with a retention time of 7 days. The results showed that the wastewater contains significant levels of Electrical Conductivity (5.24 – 6.31 dS m-1), Total Dissolved Solids (4190 - 5150 mg/L), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (730 - 818 mg/L), and Chemical Oxygen Demand (1825 – 2045 mg/L). The utilization of artificial wetlands along with Canna indica decreased the pollution loads by 42% of Electrical Conductivity, 41% of Biochemical Oxygen Demand, and Chemical Oxygen Demand, 45% of Total Suspended Solids, and 55% of Total Dissolved Solids. Based on the above results, constructed wetlands are recognized as a reliable wastewater treatment technique and a good solution for the treatment of coirpith washwater, which is a step towards a greener and more sustainable future. By integrating these natural filtration systems into the wastewater treatment process, industries can foster a harmonious coexistence with the environment, ensuring a balance between economic growth and environmental well-being

Morpho-molecular Characterization of Carrot Soft Rot Incitant, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp carotovoroum

Carrot is an important root vegetable which plays an important role in human health. Globally, Post harvest diseases are the major constraint in carrot production, especially soft rot which resulting in severe yield loss. Early diagnosis of these post-harvest diseases paves a way for reducing the economic losses. Carrot samples showing typical rotting symptoms were collected from markets of four different districts of Tamil Nadu and the pathogen involved were isolated. Severe carrot soft rot incidence (66.74%) was observed in samples collected from Ooty area of The Nilgiris district and the least disease incidence of (16.21%) was recorded in Perundurai of Erode district. Pathogenicity of soft rot pathogen were conducted and the virulent isolates were identified based on Percent Disease Index (PDI) showing &gt;50% rotting falls under disease grade 9 using disease grade scale (0 to 9). The bacterial isolates (KPB-7 and OCB-5) causing soft rot were characterized using various biochemical assays where in they showed positive response for methyl red, H2S gas production, KOH and catalase tests besides showing negative response for gram’s reaction. Furthermore, molecular characterization of 16s rRNA region revealed the soft rot isolate (KPB-7) as Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp carotovorum (with an accession number OR251119)