Gellan gum as an immobilization matrix for the production of cyclosporin A

This study explored the use of gellan gum as an immobilization matrix for production of cyclosporin A (CyA) by immobilized spores and mycelia of Tolypocladium inflatum MTCC 557. Different carriers, such as gellan gum, sodium alginate, celite beads and silica, were tested as immobilization carriers, along with the role of the carrier concentration, biomass weight, number of spore-inoculated beads, and repeated utilization of the immobilized fungus. The maximum CyA production was 274 mg/l when using gellan gum (1 % w/v) and a mycelial weight of 7.5 % w/v supported the maximum production of CyA. Additionally, a combination of L-valine (6 g/l) and L-leucine (5 g/l) after 48 h of fermentation produced 1,338 mg/l when using gellan gum. The immobilized mycelia beads were found to remain stable for four repetitive cycles, indicating their use for semi-continuous CyA production.