Metabolism of ferulic and syringic acids by micromycetes.

The ability of 814 strains of Micromycetes to grow on ferulic and syringic acids was investigated. After cultivation on solid media, 106 and 108 strains were selected and cultivated in liquid synthetic medium. Chromatographic analysis allowed classification of fungi into different groups according to the consumption of phenolic compounds and the appearance of new metabolites. Finally, Paecilomyces variotii and Pestalotia palmarum were chosen and cultivated in the presence of ferulic acid in two different culture media. These two Fungi Imperfecti were able to consume the phenolic compound rapidly and completely.