title: Immobilization technique for enhanced production of the immunosuppressant mycophenolic acid by ultraviolet and gamma-irradiated Penicillium roqueforti.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Different entrapment matrices were screened to immobilize two strains of Penicillium roqueforti (AG101 and LG109) for more effective production of mycophenolic acid (MPA). Further improvement in the MPA productivity from immobilization of spores and mycelia was adopted by UV and gamma irradiation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Penicillium roqueforti strains were immobilized in different entrapping carriers and used for MPA production in shake flask cultures. Maximum MPA production was achieved on using an alginate concentration of 3·0% (w/v) and a mycelial fresh weight of 10% (w/v). MPA produced by alginate-immobilized spores and mycelia was almost double in comparison to the free system. The MPA-producing ability of immobilized AG101 and LG109 strain was significantly enhanced by mutagenesis through irradiation by UV (254 nm) for 120 and 90 min, respectively and gamma rays at 0·75 KGy. The feasibility of MPA production in a semi-continuous form by immobilized cells as affected by irradiation was adopted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MPA production by immobilized spores and mycelia was more intensified by UV and gamma irradiation. Moreover, the immobilized cell culture was superior to free-cell culture.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings indicate the future possibility to reduce the cost of producing fermentation-based drugs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Ismaiel
authors.affiliation: Plant Research Department, Nuclear Research Center, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt.
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.affiliation: Plant Research Department, Nuclear Research Center, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt.
authors.forename: E R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: El-Sayed
mesh_terms: D000464:Alginates / Q000378:metabolism; D018914:Cells, Immobilized / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D005285:Fermentation; D005720:Gamma Rays; D020723:Glucuronic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D006603:Hexuronic Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D007218:Industrial Microbiology / Q000379:methods*; D016296:Mutagenesis; D025282:Mycelium / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D010407:Penicillium / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects*
chemical_list: D000464:Alginates; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D020723:Glucuronic Acid; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid
keywords: Penicillium roqueforti; UV radiation; calcium alginate; gamma radiation; immobilization; mycophenolic acid