Morpho-molecular
Characterization and Optimization of Aspergillus ustus Strain KUMBASBT-52 isolated
from the Litter Soil
Akarsh S., Sowmya H.V. and Thippeswamy B.
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(9); 212-221;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/209rjbt2120221; (2025)
Abstract
Western Ghats is the biodiversity hotspot of the world, with its rich flora and
fauna. The soil of the forest provides a niche for various microorganisms. Due to
the carcinogenicity and non-eco-friendly nature of azodyes, researchers have put
a spotlight on natural colorants. Filamentous fungi are a fascinating source of
a wide variety of pigments. The present study focused on the isolation and characterization
of a pigmentproducing fungus and optimized the physico-chemical conditions for its
growth and pigment biosynthesis. The fungus was isolated from the forest litter
soil collected nearby the location called Sigandooru (14°4′34″N 74°52′20″E). The
isolated fungus produces extracellular urochrome-yellow pigment. Based on phenotypic
and genotypic characters, the fungus was identified as Aspergillus ustus strain
KUMBASBT-52 and its 18s r-RNA gene sequence was deposited at GenBank, NCBI (Accession
No. MW130234).
The physico-chemical parameters required for the A. ustus to yield maximum biomass
and pigment were recorded as temperature 25 °C, pH 7, carbon source sucrose (2%
W/V), nitrogen source sodium nitrate (1% W/V), mineral salt potassium phosphate
(0.05% W/V) and amino acid tyrosine (0.5% W/V). The A. ustus strain KUMBASBT-52
can be exploited for biopigment production, which can be used as a substitute for
hazardous synthetic azo dyes.
