Biosynthesis of carotenoids by fungi.

Abstract

1. In addition to the strains known as carotene producers, Pen. sclerotiorum, Pen. multicolor, Pen. lapidosum, and Rhizoctonia zeae were found to be new carotene producers, and carotenoid pigments produced by these fungus strains were identified and determined.2. Pen. sclerotiorum NRRL 2074, the best carotene producer, was investigated on its culture condition in some detail, and its carotene content was enhanced up to 1.85mg total carotene per gram dry mat. Particularly, low pH value of culture medium (pH=2±0.25), and addition of nitrogen-containing methyl donor, e.g., betaine and choline, into the medium, were found to stimulate its carotene production remarkably.3. The stereochemical and spectral properties of the carotenoid and its biosynthetic pathway were discussed.