Strain improvement and optimization of the media of taxol-producing fungus Fusarium maire

A mutant Fusarium maire K178 with high production of paclitaxel (taxol) was selected by protoplast mutation of UV radiation and diethyl sulfate (DES). The optimization of medium components was performed using both Plackett–Burman design and response surface methodology. Various nitrogen sources were initially compared and the Plackett–Burman design was employed for screening important components in trace elements. The results showed that NaOAc, NH4NO3 and MgSO4 were the most important components which were further investigated by response surface methodology. The optimal concentrations were: NaOAc 2.02 g/l, NH4NO3 7.84 g/l and MgSO4 0.68 g/l. After the strain improvement and optimization of the media the yield of taxol increased from 20 to 225.2 μg/l.