Abstract: A submerged fermentation medium of Russula sp.was developed for efficient production of polysaccharide and biomass. The effects of carbohydrate and nitrogen sources and cations on the Russula fermentation were investigated in shake flasks. It was found that glucose was favorable carbohydrate sources for cell growth, metabolite production of extra cellular polysaccharide (EPS) and intracellular polysaccharide (IPS), the yield of polysaccharides per unit biomass. Yeast extract as nitrogen sources was suitable for the cell growth, extra cellular polysaccharide production and the yield of polysaccharides although intracellular polysaccharide was at a lower level. The type of cations source also affects polysaccharide production, and best results were obtained with zinc chloride. The optimal production of biomass, EPS, IPS, TPS and yield of polysaccharides was 20.94g/L, 1.54g/L, 78.11mg/g, 2.95g/L and 8.13%, respectively.

Key words: Russula sp., submerged fermentation, fungal polysaccharides, medium