The Production of Epoxysuccinic Acid by Fungi

• Main Author: Dibble, John
• Format: Others
• Published: TopSCHOLAR® 1974
• Subjects: Biology; Life Sciences
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/2256; https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3260&context=theses

Seven strains of Aspergillus fumigatus and five strains of Paecilomyces varioti known to produce trans-l-epoxysuccinic acid (ESA) in a fermentation medium were compared for total acid production. It was found that A. fumigatus NRRL 2327 accumulated the greatest concentration of total acid determined by titration for soluble calcium. Using a method of gas -liquid chromatography developed for this study, it was found that P. varioti NRRL 1123 accumulated significant quantities of ESA and succinic acid and a trace of an unidentified acid in a fermentation medium. The maximum accumulation of ESA was not reached by the 9th day of incubation although maximum growth had been reached by the 3rd day. Investigations on the effect of metallic cations on ESA production by P. varioti NRRL 1123 revealed that ions of copper and iron in combination were necessary for ESA production.