Effect of agitation intensity on the exo-biopolymer production and mycelial morphology in Cordyceps militaris.
OBJECTIVE
The influence of agitation intensity on Cordyceps militaris morphology and exo-biopolymer production was investigated in a 5 litre stirred vessel using a six-blade Rushton turbine impeller.


RESULTS
The mycelial morphology of C. militaris was characterized by means of image analysis, which included mean diameter, circularity, roughness and compactness of the pellets. The morphological parameters of the pellets grown under different stirring conditions were significantly different, which correspondingly altered exo-biopolymer production yields.


CONCLUSIONS
The compactness of the pellets was found to be the most critical parameter affecting exo-biopolymer biosynthesis; more compact pellets were formed at 150 rev min(-1) with maximum exo-biopolymer production (15 g l(-1)).


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that morphological change of pellets is a good indicator for identifying the cell activity for exo-biopolymer production.
Park
J P
JP
Department of Biotechnology, Taegu University, Kyungsan, Kyungbuk, Korea.
Kim
Y M
YM
Kim
S W
SW
Hwang
H J
HJ
Cho
Y J
YJ
Lee
Y S
YS
Song
C H
CH
Yun
J W
JW
D001704:Biopolymers / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D019149:Bioreactors; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods; D005285:Fermentation; D006999:Hypocreales / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism
D001704:Biopolymers