A preliminary study of the applicability of sweet potatoes for mycological fat production

Summary For mycological fat production,Aspergillus nidulans andPenicillium lilacinum were grown on media made up of crushed and boiled sweet potatoes. Mycelial mats containing a fair amount of fat were obtained, namely, 15 % in case ofAspergillus and 24 % in case ofPenicillium. Media containing an external supply of glucose gave rise to increase in percentage fat in mycelium, but the amount of mycelium and consequently the total fat content decreased.Addition of sodium nitrate gave heavier mycelial mats but the total fat content could not be raised.Addition of potassium phosphate or magnesium sulphate or both to the sweet potato medium gave rise to heavier mycelial mats but with lower fat content.