Phomalactone optimization and production of entomopathogenic fungi by Ophiocordyceps communis BCC 1842 and BCC 2763

Phomalactone, an antibacterial, insecticidal, and herbicidal compound, was produced by insect pathogenic fungi, Ophiocordyceps communis BCC 1842 and BCC 2763, in bioreactors using different carbon and nitrogen sources. Glucose and fructose were preferable for growth and phomalactone production. The highest specific growth rate () of 0.012hr(-1), the highest biomass yield (Y-sx) of 0.38gDWg(-1) sugar, the highest volumetric sugar consumption rate (q(s)) of 0.036g (L hr)(-1), the maximum phomalactone concentration () of 93.30mgL(-1) at 127hr, and the highest volumetric production rate of phomalactone (q(p)) of 0.46 +/- 0.12mg (L d)(-1) were obtained on glucose and sodium nitrate as the sole carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively, by O. communis BCC 1842. In contrast, O. communis BCC 2763 gave lower phomalactone production. This mass phomalactone production is useful for the biological synthesis of a precursor for more broad-range potent analogs such as antitumor, antifungal, and others and for its further biological studies.