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Production of fungal hypocrellin photosensitizers: Exploiting bambusicolous fungi and elicitation strategies in mycelium cultures

Summary

Hypocrellins are powerful compounds from fungi that can treat cancers and infections through light-activated therapy. Since wild sources are limited, scientists are growing these fungi in laboratory cultures and using special techniques to boost production. This review summarizes the best methods for producing hypocrellins, from choosing the right fungal strains to optimizing growing conditions and using natural stimulants to increase yields.

Background

Hypocrellins are naturally occurring fungal perylenequinone pigments with potential photodynamic activity against cancers and microbial diseases. Traditionally extracted from Shiraia bambusicola fruiting bodies, yields are often insufficient. Mycelium cultures and endophytic fungi have emerged as promising alternative sources for hypocrellin production.

Objective

This review comprehensively examines current research on fungal hypocrellin production from Shiraia isolates, endophytes, and other fungi. It discusses culture methods for solid-state and submerged fermentation and presents novel elicitation strategies to enhance hypocrellin production in mycelium cultures.

Results

Multiple fungal sources produce hypocrellins with varying yields. Endophytic Shiraia species and other fungi such as Pseudoshiraia conidialis show high production potential. Optimized liquid fermentation achieves up to 2,424 mg/L perylenequinones. Biotic elicitors (bacterial cells, polysaccharides) and abiotic elicitors (surfactants, light, temperature) increase production 1.5-25 fold.

Conclusion

Mycelium cultures of hypocrellin-producing fungi, combined with elicitation strategies, provide viable alternatives to wild fruiting bodies. Further exploration of fungal resources and optimization of elicitation techniques will enhance hypocrellin production for photodynamic therapy applications.
  • Published in:Mycology,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.1080/21501203.2024.2430726, PMID: 40415904
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