Effect of oils on the production of exopolysaccharides and mycelial biomass in submerged culture of Schizophyllum commune

Abstract

The effect of oils (olive, castor and peppermint) addition at different concentrations on the cell growth and production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) in a submerged culture of Schizophyllum commune was determined. The highest cell growth (8.2 g.dr.w/l) was observed on the 14th day of incubation in medium containing 1% of the olive oil. EPS production was slightly enhanced by olive oil and castor oil, but significantly inhibited by peppermint oil. Mycelial growth was increased with the oils used at different concentrations, except 1% at 7 and 14 days of incubation. Amongst the three oil sources examined, the highest EPS production was observed in medium with 0.5% castor oil after 7 days of incubation.   Key words: Schizophyllum commune, exopolysaccharides, submerged culture, oil.