Efficient production of bioactive metabolites from Antrodia camphorata ATCC 200183 by asexual reproduction-based repeated batch fermentation

Large-scale submerged fermentation (SmF) of Antrodia camphorata (A. camphorata) usually encounters challenges including tedious preparation of mycelial inoculum, long fermentation period (10-14 d), and poor repeatability. Here we developed an asexual reproduction-based repeated batch fermentation (RBF) process for bioactive metabolites production by A. camphorata ATCC 200183. Compared with traditional batch fermentation, production time was shortened to 58 d from 80 d (overall time for eight cycles) using the RBF process established in this study, and accordingly, the productivities of bioactive metabolites (including antrodins) were improved by 40-60%. Kinetic parameters (α is 2.1-18.7 times as β) indicated that the cell growth was the major contribution for bioactive metabolites production. The RBF shows excellent batch-repeatability (Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.998 ± 0.001), together with advantages of energy-efficient, low cost, and labor-saving, RBF process can be implemented to SmF by other filamentous fungi.