Effects of Culture Medium on PUFAs Production by Mortierella isabellinas

Abstract

In the paper, in order to improve the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) by Mortierella isabellina, the effects of carbon source, nitrogen source, carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio, and metal ions on PUFAs production were investigated. The results of the research showed that different kinds of carbon source and nitrogen source had obviously effect on PUFAs production, the glucose and mixture nitrogen (yeast extract: peanut meal at 3:1 (w/w)) were greatly suitable for PUFAs production and cell growth. The glucose concentration and C/N ratios have significant effect on PUFAs production. Meanwhile, the results indicate the metal ions have profound effects on fungus growth and PUFAs production. Ca2+ and Mg2+ could promote PUFAs production. Almost all the improvement of PUFAs was obtained through increasing thallus biomass, though there were some influences on the metabolism. Under the optimal culture media composition, the yields of cell dry weight, linoleic acid (LA), gama-linolenic acid (GLA), and total PUFAs were 32.48, 2.90, 2.83, and 7.36 g/L, respectively.