Effects of red light and addition of monoterpenes and tangerine oil on the production of biomass and triterpenoids of Antrodia cinnamomea in submerged cultures

Improving cultivation techniques for the submerged fermentation of Antrodia cinnamomea is the most effective solution to address the growing market demand. However, low triterpenoids content is observed during submerged culture. The main purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of addition of monoterpenes and tangerine oil to the cultures of A. cinnamomea irradiated with red light for enhancing triterpenoids production. Experimental results suggested that xylose can replace glucose as a carbon source. Adding limonene 3 ml/l and irradiated with red light intensity 300 lx enhanced both biomass and triterpenoid production. The triterpenoid production increased to 46.07 mg/g DW in shake flask cultures. Adding tangerine oil 3 ml/l and irradiated with red light intensity 300 lx proved to be the most effective in enhancing triterpenoid production to 67.69 mg/g DW. Results indicated that the red light alleviated the inhibitory effect of monoterpenes and tangerine oil to mycelia. The process is industrially feasible as upscaling in a 2.5 l airlift bioreactor improved both the biomass and triterpenoids content.