Jl. Kinderlerer, FUNGAL STRATEGIES FOR DETOXIFICATION OF MEDIUM-CHAIN FATTY-ACIDS, International biodeterioration & biodegradation, 32(1-3), 1993, pp. 213-224
Fungi can degrade free fatty acids and triacylglycerols to provide a c
arbon and energy source. Medium chain fatty acids (those with a carbon
length between six and 12 carbon atoms) are relatively uncommon. They
are found in three oils of commercial importance-coconut, palm kernel
and butter. The ability of fungi to convert medium chain fatty acids
or triacylglycerols containing these acids to methyl ketones one carbo
n atom less has been known for a long time. Five genera can undertake
these bioconversions-Aspergillus and Penicillium, and their correspond
ing teleomorphic genera Trichoderma, Cladosporium and Fusarium. Medium
chain fatty acids inhibit fungal growth. The degree of inhibition dep
ends on the concentration of the un-ionised acids. A number of fungal
bioconversions of medium chain fatty acids can occur leading to the pr
oduction of volatile metabolites. These include a partial beta-oxidati
on to give the methyl ketone one carbon atom less than the parent fatt
y acid, reduction of the ketone to give the secondary alcohol, hydroxy
lation of the ketone to give a mono-hydroxy ketone, esterification and
decarboxylation. It is suggested that the production of these volatil
e metabolites is a fungal strategy to eliminate metabolites which woul
d otherwise be toxic.