Abstract:

The objective of this study was to optimize fermentation conditions of Alternaria LJX27 (an endophytic fungus
from Cinnamomum pauciflorum) for enhanced production of safrole by response surface methodology with quadratic general
rotary composite design. The production of safrole was investigated with respect to fermentation conditions including
inoculum amount, pH, fermentation temperature, fermentation time and shaking speed. Fermentation experiments performed
under the optimal conditions: medium pH 8; temperature, 24 ℃; shaking speed, 200 r/min; and incubation time, 5 d; resulted
in maximum production of 2.13 g/L, which was 67.72% higher than that obtained before optimization. Safrole production
was affected in decreasing order by initial medium pH, fermentation time, fermentation temperature and shaking speed. Our
investigations indicated that the developed regression model was applicable for optimizing the fermentation conditions for
safrole production.

Key words: quadratic general rotary composite design, Cinnamomum pauciflorum, safrole, fermentation condition