Influence of nutritional conditions on the mycelial growth and exopolysaccharide production in Paecilomyces sinclairii

Aims: The objective of the study was to optimize the submerged culture conditions for the production of exopolysaccharide from Paecilomyces sinclairii . Methods and Results: The optimal temperature and initial pH for exopolysaccharide production by Paecilomyces sinclairii in shake flask culture were found to be 30degreesC and 6.0, respectively. Sucrose (60 g l(-1)) and corn steep powder (10 g l(-1)) were the most suitable carbon and nitrogen source for exopolysaccharide production. Conclusions: Under optimal culture medium, the maximum exopolysaccharide concentration in a 5-l stirred-tank fermenter indicated 7.4 g l(-1), which was approximately three times higher than that in basal medium. The maximum specific growth rates (mu(max)) and yield coefficient (Y-P/S) in the optimal culture medium was 0.16 h(-1) and 0.19, respectively. Significance and Impact of the Study: The optimal culture conditions reported in this article can be widely applied to the processes for submerged cultures of other mushrooms.