Nilüfer Cihangir

Stimulation of the gibberellic acid synthesis by Aspergillus niger in submerged culture using a precursor

Stimulation of Aspergillus niger in submerged culture using a commonly known precursor, mevalonic acid (MVA), was investigated in terms of growth and gibberellic acid production. Increasing concentrations of MVA up to 60 μM enhanced product and growth yields. Above this amount, gibberellic acid yields and growth were gradually decreased.

Biodegradation of micropollutant naproxen with a selected fungal strain and identification of metabolites

Abstract Pharmaceuticals are widely used for treating human and animal diseases. Naproxen [(S) 6-methoxy-α-methyl-2-naphthalene acetic acid] and its sodium salt are members of the α-arylpropionic acid group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Due to excessive usage of naproxen, this drug has been determined even in drinking water. In this study, four fungal strains Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Funalia trogii, Aspergillus niger, and Yarrowia lipolytica were investigated in terms of naproxen removal abilities. According to LC/MS data, A. niger was found the most efficient strain with 98% removal rate. Two main by-products of fungal transformation, O-desmethylnaproxen and 7-hydroxynaproxen, were identified by using LC/MS, 1HNMR, and 13CNMR. Our results showed that O-demethylation and hydroxylation of naproxen is catalyzed by cytochrome P450 enzyme system.