The Evaluation of the Fungi Using Tower Fermenters

Abstract

This investigation forms a part of a programme of work for the
utilization of the carob bean Ceratonia siliqua by fungi for protein
production. The work presented wey is the development of a
screening technique for the selection of suitable fungi for protein
production utilizing an ganecie extract of the carob bean Ceratonia
Stliquas A total of 37 fungi ( 15 basidienpectes and 18 Fungi
Imperfecti ) were surface cultured on an aqueous carob extract
solidified with agar and supplemented with (i) Glutdmic acid,
(ii) Ammonium eudphate. Cina) Glutamic acid plus Ammonium sulphate,
(iv) unsupplemented. The fungi were first cultured on malt extract
solidified with agar, and 8mm diameter transplants were made from
these cultures and transferred to the supplemented and unsupplemented
carob extract. The rate of radial growth of these fungi were ‘then
measured. The fungi with the greater rates of growth were selected
for screening in submerged culture. Statistical analysis as well
as observations of colony growth were made in the selection of
nitrogen supplements to be used in the screening of the fungi in
submerged culture.

Of these 37 fungi, 6 Basidiomycetes and 5 Fungi Imperfecti
were selected for screening in submerged culture in 1.04 tower
fermenters ; the media being of a similar composition to that used
in the surface culture. From these 11 fungi screened in submerged
Race 3 Fungi Imperfecti were selected as possible dietary
protein supplements, these were Cladosporium cladosporoides,
Spicaria elegans and Mycogone I 103. Cladosporium cladosporoides
was found to be toxic when fed to mice at a 50% level in their
normal diet. Spicaria elegans and Mycogone I 103 did not reflect
any observable toxic effects when fed to mice at a 25% level in
their normal diet.

Date of Award	Mar 1972
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Aston University