Roles of cobalt in biosynthesis stimulation of a cytotoxic compound from marine-derived Aspergillus glaucus

► Cobalt (Co2+) highly improved aspergiolide A biosynthesis. ► Vitamin B12, as a cofactor form of Co2+, facilitated aspergiolide A production. ► Similar aspergiolide A kinetics appeared in Co2+ and vitamin B12 addition cultures. ► Co2+ functioned by increasing pyruvate accumulation and vitamin B12 formation.