Production of 3,4-dihydroxy L-phenylalanine by a newly isolated <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aspergillus niger</Emphasis> and parameter significance analysis by Plackett-Burman design

Background  

The amino acid derivative 3,4-dihydroxy L-phenylalanine (L-dopa) is gaining interest as a drug of choice for Parkinson's disease. Aspergillus oryzae is commonly used for L-dopa production; however, a slower growth rate and relatively lower tyrosinase activity of mycelia have led to an increasing interest in exploiting alternative fungal cultures. In the present investigation, we report on the microbiological transformation of L-tyrosine to L-dopa accomplished by a newly isolated filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger.