[Effect of the cultivation conditions on alkaloid biosynthesis by Penicillium gorlenkoanum]

The effect of a carbohydrate component of the medium, trace elements and aeration on biosynthesis of the alkaloids costaclavine and epicostaclavine was studied with Penicillium gorlenkoanum. Alkaloid biosynthesis was shown to depend on the nature of a carbohydrate component: virtually no alkaloids were accumulated in media with glucose and fructose although these were synthesized at a high rate in a medium with mannitol. The quantity of synthesized alkaloids and the dynamics of the biosynthesis depended on carbohydrate concentration. The growth and alkaloid synthesis were influenced by traces of zinc, iron, copper and manganese. A more intensive aeration stimulated biomass accumulation but suppressed alkaloid biosynthesis.