Immobilized growing cells of Gibberella fujikuroi P-3 for production of gibberellic acid and pigment in batch and semi-continuous cultures

Abstract

The performance of immobilized growing cells of Gibberella fujikuroi P-3 was affected by the immobilization agent used, nature and age of cells, mycelial cell density, size of beads and inclusion of linseed oil. The beads, prepared by using standardized procedures, could be used for 8 cycles without affecting productivity in semicontinuous culture. The rate of production of gibberellic acid was 0.58–0.66 mg/l/h. An inverted conical fluidized bioreactor, based on the design employed in continuous plant cell culture, was adopted. This bioreactor offers many advantages. The pigment produced by the fungus is not similar to bikaverin, norbikaverin and O-dimethylanhydrofusarubin, the known polyketides.