INFLUENCE OF ESSENTIAL OIL OF HYSSOPUS-OFFICINALIS ON THE CHEMICAL-COMPOSITION OF THE WALLS OF ASPERGILLUS-FUMIGATUS (FRESENIUS)

The cell walls of the growing hyphae of Aspergillus fumigatus (Freseni us) cultured in the presence or absence of the essential oil of Hyssop us officinalis were isolated and their chemical composition analysed. The presence of the essential oil led to a reduction in levels of neut ral sugars, uronic acid and proteins, whereas amino sugars, lipids and phosphorus levels were increased. HPLC analysis of the neutral sugars showed that they consisted mainly of glucose, mannose and galactose, while the amino sugars consisted of glucosamine and galactosamine. The presence of the essential oil in the culture medium induced marked ch anges in the content of galactose and galactosamine. Cell walls were f ractionated by treatment with alkali and acid. The essential oil induc ed similar alterations in the various fractions with a more marked eff ect on the major constituents. The alterations were related to changes in the structure of the cells.