Potential inhibitors from wet oxidation of wheat straw and their effect on growth and ethanol production by Thermoanaerobacter mathranii

Alkaline wet oxidation (WO) (using water, 6.5 g/l sodium carbonate, and 12 bar oxygen at 195 degrees C) was used for pre-treating wheat straw (60 g/l), resulting in a hemicellulose-rich hydrolysate and a cellulose-rich solid fraction. The hydrolysate consisted of soluble hemicellulose (9 g/l), aliphatic carboxylic acids (6 g/l), phenols (0.27 g/l or 1.7 mM), and 2-furoic acid (0.007 g/l). The wet-oxidized wheat straw hydrolysate caused no inhibition of ethanol yield by the anaerobic thermophilic bacterium Thermoanaerobacter mathranii. Nine phenols and 2-furoic acid, identified to be present in the hydrolysate, were each tested in concentrations of 10-100x the concentration found in the hydrolysate for their effect on fermentation by T. mathranii. At 2 mM, these aromatic compounds were not inhibitory to growth or ethanol yield in T. mathranii. When the concentration of aromatics was increased to 10 mM, the fermentation was severely inhibited by the phenol aldehydes and to a lesser extent by the phenol ketones. By adding the same aromatic compounds to WO hydrolysate (10 mM), synergistic inhibitory effects of all tested compounds with hydrolysate components were shown. When the hydrolysate was concentrated three- and six-fold, growth and fermentation with T. mathranii were inhibited. At a six-fold hydrolysate concentration, the total concentration of phenolic monomers was 17 mM; hence aromatic monomers are an important co-factor in hydrolysate inhibition.     

Switchgrass leaching requirements for solid‐state fermentation by Acidothermus cellulolyticus

Growth of Acidothermus cellulolyticus in solid‐state fermentation and its required growth conditions were investigated in this study. Extraction of switchgrass was required for growth. Under the experimental conditions, extraction ratio had the most significant effect on the growth of A. cellulolyticus. Heat treatment (in the form of autoclaving) of switchgrass did not have a significant effect on the growth rate; however, longer heat treatment times had a negative effect on the total growth. Moisture content adjustment had no effect on the release of inhibitors into extracts. Our results showed that leaching at a minimum 40:1 (gram water: gram dry biomass) removed inhibitory compound(s) from switchgrass. Upon extraction A. cellulolyticus colonized switchgrass in solid fermentation without exogenous addition of carbon and nitrogen sources. It is the first demonstration of growth of A. cellulolyticus in solid fermentation. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010     

Effect of phenolic monomers on ruminal bacteria.

Ruminal bacteria were subjected to a series of phenolic compounds in various concentrations to acquire fundamental information on the influence on growth and the potential limits to forage utilization by phenolic monomers. Ruminococcus albus 7, Ruminococcus flavefaciens FD-1, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens 49, and Lachnospira multiparus D-32 were tested against 1, 5, and 10 mM concentrations of sinapic acid, syringaldehyde, syringic acid, ferulic acid, vanillin, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and hydrocinnamic acid. Responses were variable and dependent on the phenolic compound and microbial species. Compounds especially toxic (i.e., resulting in poor growth, effect on several species, dose-related response) were p-coumaric acid and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, and adaptation to the toxins did not occur after three 24-h periods. Syringic, p-hydroxybenzoic, and hydrocinnamic acids stimulated growth of all four species and also stimulated filter paper degradation by R. flavefaciens. None of the stimulatory compounds supported microbial growth in the absence of carbohydrates. In vitro dry matter digestibility of cellulose (Solka-Floc) was not stimulated by any of the phenolic compounds (10 mM), but the cinnamic acids and benzoic aldehydes (10 mM) reduced (P less than 0.05) digestion by the mixed population in ruminal fluid. Growth of R. flavefaciens in the presence of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (10 mM) or p-coumaric acid (5 mM) resulted in recognizable alterations in cell ultrastructure. Both phenolics caused a reduction in cell size (P less than 0.05), and p-coumaric acid caused a reduction in capsular size (P less than 0.05) and produced occasional pleomorphic cells.     

Effect of phenolic monomers on ruminal bacteria

Ruminal bacteria were subjected to a series of phenolic compounds in various concentrations to acquire fundamental information on the influence on growth and the potential limits to forage utilization by phenolic monomers. Ruminococcus albus 7, Ruminococcus flavefaciens FD-1, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens 49, and Lachnospira multiparus D-32 were tested against 1, 5, and 10 mM concentrations of sinapic acid, syringaldehyde, syringic acid, ferulic acid, vanillin, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and hydrocinnamic acid. Responses were variable and dependent on the phenolic compound and microbial species. Compounds especially toxic (i.e., resulting in poor growth, effect on several species, dose-related response) were p-coumaric acid and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, and adaptation to the toxins did not occur after three 24-h periods. Syringic, p-hydroxybenzoic, and hydrocinnamic acids stimulated growth of all four species and also stimulated filter paper degradation by R. flavefaciens. None of the stimulatory compounds supported microbial growth in the absence of carbohydrates. In vitro dry matter digestibility of cellulose (Solka-Floc) was not stimulated by any of the phenolic compounds (10 mM), but the cinnamic acids and benzoic aldehydes (10 mM) reduced (P less than 0.05) digestion by the mixed population in ruminal fluid. Growth of R. flavefaciens in the presence of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (10 mM) or p-coumaric acid (5 mM) resulted in recognizable alterations in cell ultrastructure. Both phenolics caused a reduction in cell size (P less than 0.05), and p-coumaric acid caused a reduction in capsular size (P less than 0.05) and produced occasional pleomorphic cells.     

Metabolism of phenolic compounds in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vitis riparia</Emphasis> seeds during stratification and during germination under optimal and low temperature stress conditions

We studied the alterations in phenolic compounds in grape seeds during their stratification and germination under optimal conditions (+25 °C) and at low temperature (+10 °C). Biological materials in the study were seeds of Vitis riparia. Phenolic compounds were extracted from defatted seeds using 80 % methanol or 80 % acetone. The content of total phenolics was determined with the Folin-Ciocalteau reagent, while the content of tannins was determined by vanillin assay and the protein (BSA) precipitation method. The RP-HPLC method was used to determine phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, catechins) in the extracts. High amounts of tannins, catechins, gallic acid and lesser amounts of p-coumaric acid were found in the seeds. The content of total phenolics in acetone extracts was higher than that obtained using methanol. The amounts of phenolic acids and tannins found in V. riparia seeds after stratification were much lower. It may confirm a possible role of these compounds in dormancy of V. riparia seeds. After 72 h of low temperature treatment, inhibition of grape root growth and biochemical changes in seeds were detected. The chilling stimulated increased accumulation of some phenolic compounds (free gallic acid and catechins) in the seeds. These substances can protect plants against some abiotic stressors.     

The effect of agricultural utilization on the composition and yield of phenolic acids in low peat soils

Summary Levels of benzoic and cinnamic acids in low peat soils, maintained for 25 years under four different cropping systems, were studied in field experiments. The soil samples were obtained from four horizons of thirteen selected profiles. Seven phenolic acids were identified by high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) techniques and their amounts were determined quantitatively. The concentration of phenolic acids in the soils depended on the cropping system and the depth of the soil profiles. Permanent grassland had the highest yield of phenolic compounds in peat soils. Much smaller amounts were found in the order forest, alternate and field utilization. Thus, phenolic compounds may be useful markers with which to follow the decomposition in peat soils. The content of phenolic acids decreased with the depth of the profiles, but in some cases the 25–30 cm soil layers contained higher amounts of phenols than the 5–10 cm layers. Compared with the surface layers the deeper horizons (55–60 cm and 95–100 cm) were low in phenolic acids.     

Comparison of solid-state and submerged-state fermentation for the bioprocessing of switchgrass to ethanol and acetate by Clostridium phytofermentans

The conversion of sustainable energy crops using microbiological fermentation to biofuels and bioproducts typically uses submerged-state processes. Alternatively, solid-state fermentation processes have several advantages when compared to the typical submerged-state processes. This study compares the use of solid-state versus submerged-state fermentation using the mesophilic anaerobic bacterium Clostridium phytofermentans in the conversion of switchgrass to the end products of ethanol, acetate, and hydrogen. A shift in the ratio of metabolic products towards more acetate and hydrogen production than ethanol production was observed when C. phytofermentans was grown under solid-state conditions as compared to submerged-state conditions. Results indicated that the end product concentrations (in millimolar) obtained using solid-state fermentation were higher than using submerged-state fermentation. In contrast, the total fermentation products (in weight of product per weight of carbohydrates consumed) and switchgrass conversion were higher for submerged-state fermentation. The conversion of xylan was greater than glucan conversion under both fermentation conditions. An initial pH of 7 and moisture content of 80 % resulted in maximum end products formation. Scanning electron microscopy study showed the presence of biofilm formed by C. phytofermentans growing on switchgrass under submerged-state fermentation whereas bacterial cells attached to surface and no apparent biofilm was observed when grown under solid-state fermentation. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting consolidated bioprocessing of a lignocellulosic substrate by a mesophilic anaerobic bacterium under solid-state fermentation conditions.     

Allelopathic Interactions Involving Phenolic Acids

A major concern regarding allelopathic interactions involving phenolic acids in no-till systems pertains to the fact that concentrations of individual phenolic acids recoverable from field soils are well below levels required for inhibition of germination and seedling growth in laboratory bioassays. Field soils contain a variety of phenolic acids as well as other toxic and nontoxic organic compounds that are available to interact with seeds and roots; whereas in laboratory bioassays, with few exceptions, single phenolic acids have been tested. Studies of mixtures of phenolic acids and other toxic (e.g., methionine) and nontoxic (e.g., glucose) organic compounds in laboratory bioassays indicate that the action of a single phenolic acid is not representative of the actions of such mixtures. Specifically, as the number of phenolic acids added to soil increased, concentrations of the individual phenolic acids required to bring about a growth inhibition declined. The addition of other organic compounds (e.g., glucose, methionine) to the soil also reduced the concentration of a phenolic acid (e.g., p-coumaric acid) required for growth inhibition. These results support the hypothesis that in the field mixtures of phenolic acids and other organic compounds can cause inhibitory effects even though the concentrations of individual compounds are well below their inhibitory levels.     

Effects of dissolved CO2 levels on the growth of Mannheimia succiniciproducens and succinic acid production

A capnophilic rumen bacterium Mannheimia succiniciproducens produces succinic acid as a major fermentation end product under CO(2)-rich anaerobic condition. Since succinic acid is produced by carboxylation of C3 compounds during the fermentation, intracellular CO(2) availability is important for efficient succinic acid formation. Here, we investigated the metabolic responses of M. succiniciproducens to the different dissolved CO(2) concentrations (0-260 mM). Cell growth was severely suppressed when the dissolved CO(2) concentration was below 8.74 mM. On the other hand, cell growth and succinic acid production increased proportionally as the dissolved CO(2) concentration increased from 8.74 to 141 mM. The yields of biomass and succinic acid on glucose obtained at the dissolved CO(2) concentration of 141 mM were 1.49 and 1.52 times higher, respectively, than those obtained at the dissolved CO(2) concentration of 8.74 mM. It was also found that the additional CO(2) source provided in the form of NaHCO(3), MgCO(3), or CaCO(3) had positive effects on cell growth and succinic acid production. However, growth inhibition was observed when excessive bicarbonate salts were added. By the comparison of the activities of key enzymes, it was found that PEP carboxylation by PEP carboxykinase (PckA) is the most important for succinic acid production as well as the growth of M. succiniciproducens by providing additional ATP.     

Participation of phenolic acids of microbial origin in the dysfunction of mitochondria in sepsis

The role of low-molecular-weight phenolic acids of microbial origin in the mitochondrial dysfunction observed in sepsis has been studied. It was shown that microbial phenolic acids formed during fermentation of aromatic amino acids and polyphenols have an effect on mitochondrial functions, whose magnitude depends on the structure of a particular phenolic acid. The anaerobic metabolites cinnamic and benzoic acids and, to a lesser extent, phenylpropionic and phenylacetic acids at concentrations of 0.02–0.1 mM inhibited the NAD-dependent respiration, decreased the Ca²⁺-retention capacity of mitochondria, and oxidized the thiol groups. Their effects were partially abolished by menadione and dithiothreitol. Hydroxylated phenolic acids, 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic, 2,3-dihydroxyphenylpropionic, and other phenolic acids formed in aerobic metabolism of bacteria, when used at the same concentrations, did not affect these processes. During the catabolism of phenolic acids by clinically important bacteria, these compounds undergo anaerobic interconversions. The data obtained suggest that they contribute to the mitochondrial dysfunction in sepsis, and this contribution increases under hypoxic conditions.     

一株高抗氧化活性内生真菌的分子鉴定及产酚酸类物质研究

【目的】以疏花水柏枝(Myricaria laxiflora)淹水前根部分离到的内生真菌SG17为研究对象,为明确其抗氧化能力及可能的物质基础,对其进行生物学鉴定、抗氧化能力分析及产酚酸类物质研究。【方法】对该菌nr DNA的内转录间隔区进行测序;应用总抗氧化试剂盒,以维生素C为阳性对照,测定其抗氧化能力;采用高效液相色谱(HPLC)和薄层色谱(TLC)探讨其发酵液中的酚酸类化合物。【结果】SG17具有很高的抗氧化活性,其发酵液粗提物的抗氧化活性达到同浓度抗坏血酸的31.86%,分子和形态鉴定表明SG17是一株烟曲霉(Aspergillus fumigatus)。其发酵产物中酚酸类物质含量丰富,HPLC能检测到含有没食子酸,且通过HPLC和TLC分析还发现一种光学性质与绿原酸极为相似的类似物。【结论】内生真菌烟曲霉SG17发酵液的抗氧化能力远高于国际报道水平,是一种具有潜在开发价值的抗氧化剂资源。     

Influence of phenolic compounds on the physiology of Oenococcus oeni from wine

This study shows that the growth of Oenococcus oeni CECT 4100 in a synthetic medium is affected by phenolic compounds in different ways, depending on their type and concentration. Generally they have no effects at low concentrations, but hydroxycinnamic acids are inhibitory at high concentrations. Malolactic fermentation was stimulated in the presence of catechin and quercetin, but increasingly delayed with increasing amounts of p-coumaric acid. Gallic acid appeared to delay or inhibit the formation of acetic acid from citric acid. This could lead to a better control of malolactic fermentation and suppress the increase in volatile acidity, which is undesirable in the wine-making process.     

Plant growth inhibitors isolated from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) straw

Several compounds related with plant defense and pharmacological activities have been isolated from sugarcane. Straw phytotoxins and their possible mechanisms of growth inhibition are largely unknown. A bioassay-guided fractionation of the phytotoxic constituents leachated from a sugarcane straw led to the isolation of trans-ferulic (trans-FA), cis-ferulic (cis-FA), vanillic (VA) and syringic (SA) acids. The straw leachates and their identified constituents significantly inhibited root growth of lettuce and four weeds. VA was more phytotoxic to root elongation than FA and SA. The identified phenolic compounds significantly increased leakage of root cell constituents, inhibited dehydrogenase activity and reduced chlorophyll content in lettuce. VA and FA inhibited mitotic index while SA increased cell division. Additive (VA-FA and FA-SA) and synergistic (VA-SA) interactions on root growth were observed at the response level of EC(25). Although the isolated compounds differed in their relative phytotoxic activities, the observed physiological responses suggest that they have a common mode of action. HPLC analysis indicated that sugarcane straw can potentially release 1.43 (ratio 2:1, trans:cis), 1.14 and 0.14mmolkg(-1) (straw dry weight) of FA, VA and SA, respectively. As phenolic acids are often found spatially concentrated in the top soil layers under plant straws, further studies are needed to establish the impact of these compounds in natural settings.     

Effect of lignin-derived phenolic monomers on the growth of the edible mushrooms Lentinus edodes,Pleurotus sajor-caju and Volvariella volvacea

Pleurotus sajor-caju was generally more tolerant to lignin-related phenolic monomers and tannin derivatives than Lentinus edodes and the straw mushroom, Volvariella volvacea. Several phenols, at up to 5 mM, enhanced mycelial growth of P. sajor-caju. No clear pattern was evident when the effects of phenols and tannins on the growth of V. volvacea and L. edodes were compared, but the lower concentrations of 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and vanillin which were tested were markedly more toxic to the straw mushroom. The distribution of phenolic monomers and tannin derivatives in the agricultural wastes used for mushroom cultivation may be an important growth determinant. However, the differences in the growth inhibition profiles of L. edodes, P. sajor-caju and V. volvacea suggest that, alone, the effect of these compounds on fungal growth is unlikely to account for the varying abilities of the three mushroom species to grow and fruit on a particular lignocellulosic substrate.     

Early diagenesis of organic matter in lacustrine sediments in terms of methane fermentation

The amounts of organic compounds such as amino acids (proteinaceous substances), fatty acids, and sterols in lacustrine sediments were found to decrease greatly from the mud‐water interface to depths of 20 cm and less at greater core depths. The amounts of methane produced by microbial activity in subsamples incubated for 40 days at 27°C were also found to decrease with core depth, apparently limited by the exhaustion of organic substrates subject to methane fermentation. Decomposition rates of certain organic compounds added to sediment samples were determined by incubation experiments at different temperatures for 40 to 450 days. Experimental results with mixed cultures of microorganisms in lacustrine sediments indicated the following: (a) The marked decomposition of organic compounds such as amino acids, fatty acids, and sterols in the lacustrine sediments resulted mainly in the formation of methane, (b) Unsaturated compounds were more readily decomposed with the ultimate formation of methane than saturated compounds, (c) The susceptibility of saturated fatty acids to methane formation decreased in proportion to their molecular weights.     

The effect of some phenolic compounds on the activity of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase from tobacco tissue cultures

Anodic polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of extracts of cultures of tobacco tissue Nicotiana tabacum W-38 revealed the presence of two 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenases (6PGD). The slow and the fast anodic migrating zones were designated I and II, respectively. After purification, enzymes from both zones exhibited no major differences in their affinity towards 6-phosphogluconate (6PG) or NADP⁺, and were found to have approximately the same pH optima and MWs (69 000–72 000). The coumarins scopoletin and esculetin showed some inhibitory effect on each isozyme at 0.4 mM. Below 0.3 mM, however, esculetin stimulated the activity of zone I when lower amounts of 6PG (S_0.25) were used. The glucosylated compounds, scopolin and esculin, were much more inhibitory towards the 6PGDs than their respective aglycones. Ferulic, p-coumaric and caffeic acids seemed to have an inhibitory effect dependent on 6PG concentration. A larger inhibition was observed in each case at the lower 6PG levels used. Zone I activity appeared to be inhibited to a greater degree than zone II activity by 0.4 mM p-coumaric acid with low 6PG. Of the phenolic compounds tested, chlorogenic acid was most effective, completely inhibiting the enzyme activity at 0.4 mM. Of the non-phenolic compounds investigated, glucose 1,6-diphosphate inhibited both isoenzymes of 6PGD at lower 6PG concentrations. On the other hand, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate activated both isoenzymes up to 200% of their original activity.     

Time course study on accumulation of cell wall-bound phenolics and activities of defense enzymes in tomato roots in relation to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium</Emphasis> wilt

Major cell wall-bound phenolic compounds were detected and identified in roots of tomato at different stages of growth. Alkaline hydrolysis of the cell wall material of the root tissues yielded ferulic acid as the major bulk of the phenolic compounds. Other phenolic compounds identified were 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, vanillin and 4-coumaric acid. All the six phenolic acids were higher in very early stage of plant growth. Ferulic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 4-coumaric acid exhibited a decreasing trend up to 60 days and then the content of these phenolic acids increased somewhat steadily towards the later stage of growth. Total phenolics, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity and peroxidase (POD) activity were in tandem match with the occurrence pattern of the phenolic acids. Ferulic acid showed highest antifungal activity against tomato wilt pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. The results of this study may be interpreted to seek an explanation for high susceptibility of tomato plants at flowering stage to Fusarium wilt. It may also be concluded that greater amounts of ferulic acid in combination with other phenolics and higher level of PAL and POD activities after 60 days of growth may have a role in imparting resistance against Fusarium wilt at a late stage of plant growth.     

Inhibition of Lactobacillus plantarum by polyphenols extracted from two different kinds of olive brine

The characteristic phenolic content of NaOH-treated and untreated olive brines is reported. Detection, quantification and isolation of the phenolic compounds were carried out by HPLC. Viability of Lactobacillus plantarum in the presence of single or combined fractions of these isolated compounds was tested. When assayed at the concentrations found in brines, only the single phenolic fraction containing hydroxytyrosol strongly inhibited Lact. plantarum. However, inhibition of Lact. plantarum was also observed when double phenolic fractions (e.g. the glucosides, oleuropein and verbascoside) were used; this showed a combined effect in the inhibition. The different permeability of fruit for polyphenols and organic compounds is discussed as the primary cause of the rapid fermentation of alkaline-treated, but not of untreated, olives.     

Comparison of aromatic monomers in lignocellulosic biomass prehydrolysates

Differences in the relative toxicity of xylose-rich prehydrolysates derived from woody and herbaceous feedstocks are likely due to the relative abundance of a variety of inhibitory compounds. Acetate, as well as several aromatic monomers, has been shown to be an inhibitor of the xylose-fermenting yeast, Pichia stipitis. Comparative information on the concentration of known and likely inhibitors, other than acetate, is lacking. The present study provides data on the aromatic monomer composition of representative herbaceous and woody prehydrolysates. Dilute-acid prehydrolysates were prepared from three feedstocks; two herbaceous, corn stover and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), and one woody (poplar). The prehydrolysates were neutralized with Ca(OH)₂ extracted with ethyl acetate, trimethylsilylated, and analyzed by GC-MS. Fourteen aromatic monomers were tentatively identified by comparison with published mass spectra. The concentrations of the aromatic monomers totalled 112, 141 and 247 mg L⁻¹ for corn stover, switchgrass and poplar prehydrolysates, respectively. This is also the order of increasing inhibition of growth and ethanol productivity observed for Pichia fermentations. The woody prehydrolysate contained approximately four-fold more syringyl-based monomers than did the herbaceous prehydrolysates, while guaiacyl-containing compounds were more evenly distributed. Received 24 April 1998/ Accepted in revised form 8 June 1998     

Production of fungal antibiotics using polymeric solid supports in solid-state and liquid fermentation

The use of inert absorbent polymeric supports for cellular attachment in solid-state fungal fermentation influenced growth, morphology, and production of bioactive secondary metabolites. Two filamentous fungi exemplified the utility of this approach to facilitate the discovery of new antimicrobial compounds. Cylindrocarpon sp. LL-Cyan426 produced pyrrocidines A and B and Acremonium sp. LL-Cyan416 produced acremonidins A–E when grown on agar bearing moist polyester–cellulose paper and generated distinctly different metabolite profiles than the conventional shaken or stationary liquid fermentations. Differences were also apparent when tenfold concentrated methanol extracts from these fermentations were tested against antibiotic-susceptible and antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive bacteria, and zones of inhibition were compared. Shaken broth cultures of Acremonium sp. or Cylindrocarpon sp. showed complex HPLC patterns, lower levels of target compounds, and high levels of unwanted compounds and medium components, while agar/solid support cultures showed significantly increased yields of pyrrocidines A and B and acremonidins A–E, respectively. This method, mixed-phase fermentation (fermentation with an inert solid support bearing liquid medium), exploited the increase in surface area available for fungal growth on the supports and the tendency of some microorganisms to adhere to solid surfaces, possibly mimicking their natural growth habits. The production of dimeric anthraquinones by Penicillium sp. LL-WF159 was investigated in liquid fermentation using various inert polymeric immobilization supports composed of polypropylene, polypropylene cellulose, polyester–cellulose, or polyurethane. This culture produced rugulosin, skyrin, flavomannin, and a new bisanthracene, WF159-A, after fermentation in the presence and absence of polymeric supports for mycelial attachment. The physical nature of the different support systems influenced culture morphology and relative metabolite yields, as determined by HPLC analysis and measurement of antimicrobial activity. The application of such immobilized-cell fermentation methods under solid and liquid conditions facilitated the discovery of new antibiotic compounds, and offers new approaches to fungal fermentation for natural product discovery.