*2.5. E*ff*ect of Substrate Particle Size*

To determine the effect of particle size on pigment production, the optimum dried pulp type was sieved and classified as < 1.4 mm, 1.4–2.0 mm, 2–4 mm, and > 4 mm. Each particle size was evaluated for pigment production. Optimum pulp type at different particle sizes was weighed as 5 g and transferred to flasks. Following the sterilization at 121 ◦C for 20 min, sterile distilled water was added to the flasks, according to the optimum fermentation condition determined in the previous stage (solid-state or submerged-state). After inoculation of 1 mL of the spore suspension of *A. carbonarius*, all flasks were incubated at 25 ± 1 ◦C. During the incubation period, pigment extraction and estimation analysis were conducted to dried mass every 3 d (Figure S2C).
