Production of carotene stereoisomers by Phycomyces blakesleeanus

Abstract

β-Carotene steroisomers, mainly all-trans and to a small extent 9-cis, may be produced by the fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus under normal fermentation conditions. The amount of the 9-cis-β-carotene may comprise up to 15% of the total β-carotene. Similarly, cis-lycopene or-phytoene stereoisomers may be obtained when the fungus is fermented in the presence of specific β-carotene inhibitors such as nicotine or diphenylamine respectively. This is the first report on the occurrence of cis-stereoisomers of carotenes in mycelial fungi.