Operating conditions optimization for (+)-terrein production in a stirred bioreactor by Aspergillus terreus strain PF-26 from marine sponge Phakellia fusca

Terrein is a fungal metabolite with application values in the fields of medicine, cosmetology, and agriculture. However, mass production of single configuration terrein is still a big challenge. In this study, operating factors such as inoculation, agitation speed, aeration rate, pH control, and nutrient feeding were preliminarily optimized to improve the (+)-terrein production in the 5-L stirred bioreactor from the marine sponge-derived fungus Aspergillus terreus PF-26. Spore inoculation, low agitation speed, and aeration rate were proved to be suitable for A. terreus PF-26 to produce (+)-terrein in the stirred bioreactor. At 50 rpm agitation speed and 0.33 vvm aeration rate, 2.68 g/L (+)-terrein was achieved by feeding twofold concentrated maltose and glucose medium on the sixth day and controlling pH at 4.5 from the fourth day. This study lays foundation for the mass production of (+)-terrein by the marine filamentous A. terreus strain PF-26 in the stirred bioreactor.