*4.7. Thermomyces* sp.

*Thermomyces* are Ascomycota fungi ofthe order Eurotiales, family Trichocomaceae, and they are capable of producing a yellow pigment. They are thermophilic and hemicellulose degraders. One strain was isolated from soil in Kodaikanal, Dindugul District, Tamil Nadu, India. The yellow pigment can scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by chemicals and UV rays and reduce the DNA damage by their antioxidant capabilities [84]. The bright pigmentation varies from yellow to red, depending on the growth, temperature, age and substrate [85].Food and beverages fortified by the yellow pigment recorded high antioxidant properties, antimicrobial properties and color stability [86].

Toxicological studies on the *Thermomyces* pigment using albino mice that orally ingested *Thermomyces* sp. pigment for 28 days showed no alterations in red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin, organ weight orhistopathology of the liver or kidneys [54] (Figure 3). Apart from pigmentation, in vivo antioxidant activity was also observed [87,88]. Therefore, pigments from *Thermomyces* sp. could be safe for the food industry.
