INFLUENCE OF HYDROCARBONS ON SOME CLAVICEPS CULTURES

Some Claviceps strains producing clavine alkaloids were cultured in sh aken flasks in two-phase systems consisting of a water-immiscible orga nic solvent, n-alkanes and an aqueous culture medium. Culture behaviou r was different with light and heavy alkanes but no changes in the pro portions of individual alkaloids were found. n-Octane caused a stimula tion of sclerotia-like growth and of specific biomass productivity. In creasing medium volumes in flasks brought about deterioration of aerat ion conditions and reduced production. Optimum fermentation results we re restored by adding liquid paraffin to the culture. Heterogeneous sy stems of the above kinds appear to be suitable for optimization and sc ale-up of clavine fermentation.