Microbial fermentation in extreme environments is the focus of research, which provides new insights for the production and application of Monascus pigments. In this paper, the regulation of Monascus pigments metabolism by optimizing the conditions, such as osmotic pressure, high sugar stress, light, extreme temperature, high-water content, low-frequency magnetic field and ultrasonics, is reviewed and summarized in four parts: the mycelium growth of Monascus spp., metabolic pathways, gene expression and composition characteristics of Monascus pigments. The relationship between mycelial morphology, gene expression and pigments production during fermentation under unique environments is discussed. Based on the changes in metabolic pathways and composition characteristics, the regulatory mechanism of Monascus pigments under unique conditions is proposed. Moreover, the fermentation strategy and application prospects of Monascus pigments in unique environments are also discussed. This work will provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the optimized production of Monascus pigments.
Keywords: Gene expression; Metabolism regulation; Monascus pigments; Mycelial morphology; Unique environment.
© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.