*4.10. Neurospora crassa*

*Neurospora crassa* is a type of red bread mold of the phylum Ascomycota in the order Sordariales, family Sordariaceae. It is a genetically and biochemically well-studied eukaryotic microorganism [91,92]. It is capable of producing polyketide and carotenoid fungal pigments that are yellow to orange-red pigments widely used as food colorants. Research on *Neurospora* sp. has generally recognized it as safe after more than two centuries, with no record of mycotoxin production. For the production of ethanol, biomass and pigments, it can be grown rapidly on industrial residuals and lignocelluloses.
