A RED PIGMENT SYNTHESIZED BY AN ASPERGILLUS-PARASITICUS MUTANT AS A POSSIBLE NEW INTERMEDIATE IN THE AFLATOXIN BIOSYNTHETIC-PATHWAY

The isolation of a red pigment from an Aspergillus parasiticus mutant obtained by 366 nm u.v. light treatment of A. parasiticus NRRL 2999 is described. Studies of conversion in aflatoxin B-1 and G(1) suggest th at the red pigment could be a possible new intermediate in the aflatox in biosynthetic pathway not described to date, and this has been verif ied by studies in gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The solubility and stability characteristics under refrigeration storage, and the in fluence of the temperature and the pH on its production by the A. para siticus mutant were also studied. It grew best at 30 degrees C and pH 6. The red pigment was most soluble in ethyl acetate. The results obta ined in water are emphasized where there was high stability.