Glucose and zinc concentration influence fusarin C synthesis, ethanol synthesis and lipid composition in Fusarium moniliforme submerged cultures.

A fusarin C-producing Fusarium moniliforme strain was grown in submerged culture with defined media containing differing amounts of glucose (30 g/l or 90 g/l) and zinc (5 ppb or 3200 ppb). The influence of zinc on fusarin C synthesis and lipid composition was dependent on the initial glucose concentration. In cultures supplied with 30 g/l glucose, zinc inhibited fusarin C and lipid synthesis by diverting common substrates to ethanol synthesis. Zinc-supplemented cultures with 90 g/l glucose had ample carbon substrate to produce both ethanol and fusarin C. More total lipid with a higher unsaturated fatty acid content (more oleic acid and less stearic acid) was found in F. moniliforme biomass produced in zinc-deficient media.