Characterization and magnification of hybrid strain production by intraspecific protoplast fusion of Monascus ruber and Pleurotus ostreatus

In this study, two edible species Monascus ruber and Pleurotus ostreatus were used as parent strains to explore the concept of hybridization using the protoplast fusion technique. With minimal disruption to their physiology and biocontrol effectiveness, protoplast fusion is a novel method for obtaining potential strains with desirable properties. To screen the hybrid strains for the production of lovastatin and citrinin by high-performance chromatograpy (HPLC) and FTIR, here, the hybrid is obtained with increased lovastatin without citrinin, a mycotoxic substance mainly present in some Monascus species which confirms that the hybrid could be used for industrial purposes. In the comparison of active compounds of parental strains with the hybrid strain by GC-MS analysis, a total of 35 compounds were identified from Monascus ruber and Pleurotus ostreatus, of which 9 compounds existed in the obtained hybrid which confirms the fusion product. The newly developed somatic hybrids were shown to be improved quantitatively and qualitatively based on significant increase in bio-efficiency and lovastatin content.

Automated summary

In this study, hybridization was explored using the protoplast fusion technique with Monascus ruber and Pleurotus ostreatus as parent strains. The resulting hybrids showed improved bio-efficiency and increased lovastatin content, making them suitable for industrial purposes.