Stability of Monascin Pigment Isolated from Monascus purpureus

홍국의 황색색소 Monascin에 대한 안정성 연구

The stability of monascin yellow pigment isolated from Monascus purpureus was determined over a period of storage for the wide range of pH, various metal ions and antioxidants. The absorption maximum of monascin pigment was 385 nm. Monascin pigment was more stable in acid solutions than in alkaline (pH 9 and pH 11) during storage period. It was also observed the reduction of absorption was occur after 3 days storage. The stability of monascin pigment was not changed by adding the various metal ions of the concentration of 10-4 M, however, it was unstable by adding the Zn2+, Al3+ and Fe3+ of 103- M concentration. The antioxidants. BHA, BHT, cysteine and L-ascorbic acid, have no effects on the stability of monascin yellow pigment. Thus, it may be concluded that the monascin pigment is stable and useful food additives as the natural colorant except for the alkaline food and food containing the Zn2+, Al3+ and Fe3+.