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Improved Cordycepin Production by Cordyceps militaris KYL05 Using Casein Hydrolysate in Submerged Conditions

Summary

This research focused on improving the production of cordycepin, a valuable medicinal compound found in certain mushrooms. Scientists developed a more efficient way to produce this compound by modifying the mushroom strain and optimizing growth conditions. The findings could make it easier and more cost-effective to produce cordycepin for medical and health applications. Impacts on everyday life: • Could lead to more affordable medicinal mushroom supplements • May improve availability of natural pharmaceutical compounds • Contributes to development of new natural health products • Could reduce production costs of cordycepin-based medicines • Supports advancement of sustainable biotechnology processes

Background

Cordycepin, a beneficial bioactive product specifically found in Cordyceps, has received attention in various bioindustrial applications such as pharmaceuticals, functional foods, and cosmetics due to its significant functions. However, low productivity of cordycepin is a barrier to commercialization. Cordyceps militaris is a medicinal mushroom traditionally used in Asia belonging to the family Clavicipitaceae that produces cordycepin.

Objective

The study aimed to improve cordycepin production in submerged culture by selecting a high-yield strain through UV mutation and optimizing culture conditions including temperature, pH, shaking speed and medium composition with different carbon and nitrogen sources.

Results

The mutant strain KYL05 showed 1.5-fold higher cordycepin production compared to wild type. Optimal conditions were: pH 6, temperature 25°C, shaking speed 150 rpm, and 6 days culture time. Glucose and casein hydrolysate were most effective as carbon and nitrogen sources, achieving maximum cordycepin production of 445 mg/L (2.3-fold improvement). Production was significantly affected by casein hydrolysate concentration.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated improved cordycepin production through strain mutation and optimization of culture conditions, particularly through the novel use of casein hydrolysate as nitrogen source. The high glutamate content in casein hydrolysate may promote cordycepin biosynthesis. These findings provide fundamental information for developing large-scale cordycepin production processes.
  • Published in:Biomolecules,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/biom9090461
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