Process Optimization of Mevinolinic Acid by Aspergillus terreus through Submerged Fermentation

Mevinolinic acids are the secondary metabolic compounds produced by some fungal strains and are widely used to reduce elevated levels of cholesterol in blood plasma. Optimizing a fermentation system involves optimizing many variables such as determining the effect of seed quality and media components, and selecting the most appropriate operating conditions. In present study, pilot scale optimization of Mevinolinic acid production through submerged fermentation by Aspergillus terreus has been described. Optimization of Mevinolinic acid production was carried out by studying physical parameters such as the effect of incubation temperature, initial pH and nutritional parameters. An incubation temperature of 28 degrees C and the initial pH of 6.5 were found optimum for Mevinolinic acid production. Highest production was observed when seed transfer volume was observed at 10 % and the D.O. was maintained between 40-60% throughout the batch. Five different kinds of media (M1-M5) were used in the study out of which the maximum production of Mevinolinic acid was observed in M4 since it had amino acids, essential vitamins and mineral salts which were provided by other components of media such as skim milk, cotton seed meal, soyabean flour, glycerol and other components.