ONLINE EVALUATION OF FERMENTATION BROTH COLOR

A novel method for evaluating pigment production during fermentation o f Monascus ruber has been developed and consists of reflectance measur ement with a 10-degrees observer under an artificial illuminant. A spe ctrophotometer was adapted to measure pigmentation during culture in a bioreactor. The lightness parameter L was the most useful information delivered by this sensor. An absorbency over 30 units at 480nm on bat ch cultures was estimated on-line without dilution.