Immobilized growing cells of Gibberella fujikuroi P-3 for production of gibberellic acid and pigment in batch and semi-continuous cultures.

The performance of immobilized growing
cells of Gibberella fujikuroi P-3 was affected
by the immobilization agent used, nature and age
of cells, mycelial cell density, size of beads and
inclusion of linseed oil. The beads, prepared by
using standardized procedures, could be used for
8 cycles without affecting productivity in semicontinuous
culture. The rate of production of gibberellic
acid was 0.58-0.66 mg/l/h. An inverted
conical fluidized bioreactor, based on the design
employed in continuous plant cell culture, was
adopted. This bioreactor offers many advantages.
The pigment produced by the fungus is not similar
to bikaverin, norbikaverin and O-dimsimilar
to bikaverin, norbikaverin and O-dimethylanhydrofusarubin,
the known polyketides.