Optimization of diterpenes bioconversion process by fungus "Cephalosporium aphidicola"

Parameters for a more effcient biotransformation of diterpene-like compounds by the fungus "Cephalosporium aphidicola" were established by carrying out microscale feeding at several conditions. Experiments were guided by thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography analysis. It was observed that the substrate should be added in ethanol at concentrations between 15 to 14 mg per 100 ml of medium. The extraction of the product showed to be more effcient when carried out from both mycelia and broth and using ethylacetate as the extracting solvent. The experiment should be stopped six days after feeding the substrate to the fungus for the best product yield.