Comparative study of UV protection of pigments of Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus flavus

 Due to the growing need of industries for raw materials and high environmental hazards of chemical products, many researchers and manufacturers have turned their attention to the use of biological products, especially products of microbial origin. In this study, the potential of Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus flavus for resistance to ultra violet light in the range of 350-290 nm has been evaluated.

two species of fungi Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus flavus, after being purchased as lyophilized powder, were cultured in various culture media for 10 days to select the appropriate culture medium to produce the maximum biomass. Samples were cultured in selective culture medium, PDA, for 7 days and after drying the biomass and separation of pigments, the amount of SPF parameter and the survival of colonies on the culture medium in the presence of ultraviolet rays were measured.

Both types of fungi can withstand 350 nm for about 20 minutes, but the resistance of the fungi to light is 290 nm is much lower. Also, the SPF of Aspergillus flavus is higher than that of Aspergillus oryzae. Thus, it can be concluded that the pigments of Aspergillus oryza and Aspergillus flavus have shown good protection against ultraviolet rays. Therefore, these natural pigments can be used as alternatives to chemicals in industry.

the pigments of Aspergillus fungi studied have shown good protection against ultraviolet rays and have good potential for use in industry.