Mycoprotein production by Fusarium venenatum in surface culture using a central composite design

Due to their nutritional, physical and chemical characteristics, mycoproteins, produced in the process of fungal growth, have been proposed to be used as a food additive for man. In this study a central composite design was applied to assessing the effect of seed size and initial concentrations of carbon and nitrogen sources on mycoprotein production by Fusarium venenatum (ATCC20334) from date sugar. Chemical composition (percent dried cell weight, nitrogen, moisture, and ash) and pH of the substrate were determined. Vogel culture medium was used for maintenance and inoculum preparation, and incubation was done at 30 °C for 72h. Dried cell weight was measured by the oven method. The experimental results were fitted to a full quadratic second order polynomial equation and the optimization of response was done with Minitab 14 software. Optimum conditions were determined and a confirmation test was conducted. The regression coefficient of the model presented for mycoprotein production (based on dried cell weight) was 98.0%. The optimum conditions for the mycoprotein production included a seed size of 15.39 % v/v, and a carbon and nitrogen source of 20 and 4.35 g/L, respectively. The predicted value for the optimum production of dried biomass was 5.032 g/L. The reconfirmation test was conducted at the optimum conditions and the result obtained was 4.84 g/L of biomass production. The regression coefficient indicates accuracy and suitability of the model for the experimental data. By changing the inoculum conditions and the chemical composition of the culture medium, optimal growth of Fusarium venenatum and, consequently, maximum biomass production, can be achieved. Use of date syrup as an available and domestic Iranian substrate for modification of Vogel medium makes possible protein production at an industrial scale in surface culture.