Production of Schizophyllan by Liquid Cultures of Schizophyllum commune

Production of Schizophyllan by Liquid Cultures of Schizophyllum commune

Soravit Chaimongkol1, 2, Nattawut Rungjindamai1, Phongsawat Khamsuntorn2, Sujinda Sommai2, Sayanh Somrithipol2, Wai Prathumpai2, Kwanruthai Malairuang2, Borworn Werapan2, Somjit Komwijit2 and Umpawa Pinruan 2*

1Department of Biology, School of Science, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), Bangkok, 10520, Thailand

2National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand

*Email: umpawa.pin@biotec.or.th

Schizophyllan is a naturally occurring beta-glucan polysaccharide compound in the cell wall of Schizophyllum commune. It is a commercially attractive biopolymer because it has anti-cancer and antioxidant activities, it also stimulates the immune system. Schizophyllan can be applied to food, medicine, cosmetics, and feed industries. The purpose of this study was to screen the potential for schizophyllan production of 20 strains of Thai native S. commune based on liquid culture medium, and fermentation conditions. Two media including potato dextrose broth (PDB) and peptone yeast glucose medium (PYGM) were used for the primary screening. Cultures of S. commune were inoculated into 250-ml flasks containing 50 ml of the media and the flasks were shaken at 200 round per minute for 7 days. Plackett-Burman Design and Central Composite Design were used to optimize the productivity and yield of schizophyllan. Three strains of S. commune including MMCR256, MMCR487, and MMCR474 were selected as they produced the highest yield of schizophyllan. Using Plackett-Burman Design showed that it can increase schizophyllan production to 8.34±1.47 g/L, 4.89±1.76 g/L and 2.62±0.01 g/L, respectively. Therefore, the strain MMCR256 was selected under these optimal conditions, the production of schizophyllan in a bioreactor was studied using Central Composite Design. The results revealed greater production of schizophyllan to 10.39±1.69 g/L and biomass of 26.28±1.63 g/L. This study provides crucial knowledge for the commercial production of schizophyllan.