RESUMO
AIMS: To study the optimization of submerged culture conditions for exopolysaccharide (EPS) production by Armillaria mellea in shake-flask cultures and also to evaluate the performance of an optimized culture medium in a 5-l stirred tank fermenter. METHODS AND RESULTS: Shake flask cultures for EPS optimal nutritional production contained having the following composition (in g l(-1)): glucose 40, yeast extract 3, KH(2)PO(4) 4 and MgSO(4) 2 at an optimal temperature of 22 degrees C and an initial of pH 4.0. The optimal culture medium was then cultivated in a 5-l stirred tank fermenter at 1 vvm (volume of aeration per volume of bioreactor per min) aeration rate, 150 rev min(-1) agitation speed, controlled pH 4.0 and 22 degrees C. In the optimal culture medium, the maximum EPS production in a 5-l stirred tank fermenter was 588 mg l(-1), c. twice as great as that in the basal medium. The maximum productivity for EPS (Q(p)) and product yield (Y(P/S)) were 42.02 mg l(-1) d(-1) and 26.89 mg g(-1), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal culture conditions we proposed in this study enhanced the EPS production of A. mellea from submerged cultures. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The optimal culturing conditions we have found will be a suitable starting point for a scale-up of the fermentation process, helping to develop the production of related medicines and health foods from A. mellea.