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Arachidonic-acid production by species of Mortierella

V K Eroshin1, E G Dedyukhina, T I Chistyakova

  • 1Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, 142292 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia.

World Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology
|January 14, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Researchers developed a new method to identify arachidonic acid (ARA)-producing fungi. This study found ARA in 66 out of 87 Mortierella strains, with potential applications in fungal classification.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Mycology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Mortierella species are known for producing valuable fatty acids.
  • Arachidonic acid (ARA) is an important omega-6 fatty acid with various health benefits.
  • Efficient methods for isolating and quantifying ARA-producing microorganisms are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a selective medium for isolating arachidonic acid (ARA)-producing Mortierella species.
  • To determine the fatty acid content, specifically ARA, in a collection of Mortierella strains.
  • To explore the potential utility of ARA production in the systematic study of Mortierella.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a growth-inhibiting medium containing aspirin for selective isolation.
  • Cultivation of 87 Mortierella strains on the developed medium.
  • Analysis of fatty acid profiles, focusing on ARA content, using gas chromatography.

Main Results:

  • ARA was detected in 66 out of 87 tested Mortierella strains, representing 33 different species.
  • The ARA content in producing strains varied significantly, ranging from 4% to 55% of total lipids.
  • Most ARA-producing strains (59/66) synthesized less than 20% ARA, with only a few strains producing over 40% ARA.
  • An inverse correlation was observed between the content of ARA and oleic acid.

Conclusions:

  • The developed aspirin-containing medium is effective for selecting ARA-producing Mortierella.
  • ARA production is widespread among Mortierella species and can be a valuable chemotaxonomic marker.
  • Further investigation into high-yield ARA-producing strains is warranted for biotechnological applications.

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