The Evaluation of the Fungi Using Tower Fermenters

Abstract

This investigation forms a part of a programme of work for the utilization of the carob bean Ceratonia siliqua by fungi for protein production. The work presented wey is the development of a screening technique for the selection of suitable fungi for protein production utilizing an ganecie extract of the carob bean Ceratonia Stliquas A total of 37 fungi ( 15 basidienpectes and 18 Fungi Imperfecti ) were surface cultured on an aqueous carob extract solidified with agar and supplemented with (i) Glutdmic acid, (ii) Ammonium eudphate. Cina) Glutamic acid plus Ammonium sulphate, (iv) unsupplemented. The fungi were first cultured on malt extract solidified with agar, and 8mm diameter transplants were made from these cultures and transferred to the supplemented and unsupplemented carob extract. The rate of radial growth of these fungi were ‘then measured. The fungi with the greater rates of growth were selected for screening in submerged culture. Statistical analysis as well as observations of colony growth were made in the selection of nitrogen supplements to be used in the screening of the fungi in submerged culture. Of these 37 fungi, 6 Basidiomycetes and 5 Fungi Imperfecti were selected for screening in submerged culture in 1.04 tower fermenters ; the media being of a similar composition to that used in the surface culture. From these 11 fungi screened in submerged Race 3 Fungi Imperfecti were selected as possible dietary protein supplements, these were Cladosporium cladosporoides, Spicaria elegans and Mycogone I 103. Cladosporium cladosporoides was found to be toxic when fed to mice at a 50% level in their normal diet. Spicaria elegans and Mycogone I 103 did not reflect any observable toxic effects when fed to mice at a 25% level in their normal diet.