Correlation between growth and ergot alkaloid biosynthesis in Claviceps purpurea batch fermentation

Summary Following the growth kinetics of a C. purpurea ergotoxine-producing strain it was observed that alkaloid synthesis and alkaloid distribution depend on fungal growth velocity during idiophase. Formation of extracellular alkaloids is favoured by higher fungal growth velocity, while intracellular alkaloids begin to accumulate at a lower rate of growth. Simple lysergic acid derivatives prevali among extracellular alkaloids, whereas ergotoxines predominate among intracellular alkaloids. By varying cultivation conditions, by feeding the culture, or by varying the inoculum size, alkaloid composition can be influenced within the limits of strain capabilities.