γ-linolenic acid production by Cunninghamella japonica in solid state fermentation

Abstract

The production of lipid and γ-linolenic acid (GLA) by Cunninghamella japonica was studied in solid state fermentations (SSF) on cereal substrates. A number of cereals were used as sources of nutrients for fungal SSF and the substrate which favoured the highest accumulation of lipid and GLA in fermented substrate was determined. The treatment of cereals, addition of nutrients to the grain and thickness of the solid substrate influenced fungal growth, lipid and GLA production. Rice and millet gave the highest yields of GLA in the biomass (7·03–7·87%, w/w). The GLA content in the lipid obtained was 20% of the total fatty acids.