Influence of light on the biosynthesis of ophiobolin A by Bipolaris maydis.
Ophiobolin A (O-A) is a sesterpenoid with numerous biological activities, including potential anticancer effects. Its production at an industrial level is hampered due to inability of fungus Bipolaris maydis to biosynthesise it in vitro in large amount. Among the environmental factors regulating fungal metabolism, light plays a crucial role. In this study, the use of different light wavelength (light emitting diodes (LEDs)) was evaluated to increase the O-A production. The white light allowed the highest production of the metabolite. The blue and green lights showed an inhibitory effect, reducing the production to 50%, as well as red and yellow but at a lower level. No correlation between fungal growth and metabolite production was found in relation to the light type. A novel application of LED technologies, which can be optimised to foster specific pathways and promote the production of metabolites having scientific and industrial interest was proposed.
a Institute of Sciences of Food Production , National Research Council , Bari , Italy.
Francesca
F
Fanelli
b Department of Chemical Sciences , University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo , Napoli , Italy.
Pierluigi
P
Reveglia
b Department of Chemical Sciences , University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo , Napoli , Italy.
Marco
M
Masi
a Institute of Sciences of Food Production , National Research Council , Bari , Italy.
Giuseppina
G
Mulè
a Institute of Sciences of Food Production , National Research Council , Bari , Italy.
Maria Chiara
MC
Zonno
b Department of Chemical Sciences , University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo , Napoli , Italy.
Alessio
A
Cimmino
a Institute of Sciences of Food Production , National Research Council , Bari , Italy.
Maurizio
M
Vurro
b Department of Chemical Sciences , University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo , Napoli , Italy.
Antonio
A
Evidente
D001203:Ascomycota / Q000378:metabolism*; D007218:Industrial Microbiology / Q000379:methods; D008027:Light; D054830:Sesterterpenes / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D054830:Sesterterpenes; C040764:ophiobolin A
Bipolaris maydis; HPLC; LED; Ophiobolin A; light wavelength; sesterpenoids