RT Journal Article ID 6391a6e77eaf686a A1 Zheng, Qianwang A1 Wei, Tao A1 Lin, Yin A1 Ye, Zhi-Wei A1 Lin, Jun-Fang A1 Guo, Li-Qiong A1 Yun, Fan A1 Kang, Linzhi T1 Developing a Novel Two-Stage Process for Carotenoid Production by Cordyceps militaris (Ascomycetes) JF International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms JO IJM YR 2019 FD 2019-01-03 VO 21 IS 1 SP 47 OP 57 K1 2-stage process K1 carotenoids K1 Cordyceps militaris K1 inducers K1 medicinal mushrooms K1 response surface methodology AB Natural carotenoids are attracting increasing interest, but their widespread use is limited because of poor production. Cordyceps militaris, a traditional Chinese mushroom, contains a large amount of carotenoids, and this study aimed to increase carotenoid production by C. militaris by optimizing a liquid-state cultivation system. We developed and optimized a novel 2-stage process, including cultivation under shaking in darkness and under static irradiation on a flat panel, using response surface methodology, and we compared this process to common shake-flask cultivation. In addition, we examined the effects of different inducers (chitosan, peanut oil, tomato juice, yeast, and metal ions) on carotenoid production. Results showed that under optimal conditions (4 days of shaking in darkness, 10 days of static irradiation with a 100-mL flat panel volume), a maximum of 1217.5 ± 115.9 μg/g carotenoids were produced; only 662.9 μg/g were produced by common shake-flask cultivation. Only a large amount of chitosan (8 mg) could significantly increase carotenoid content; some of the other inducers showed inhibitory effects. This study demonstrated that this 2-stage process could effectively increase the natural carotenoid content in C. militaris, making it a potential source for commercial exploitation. PB Begell House LK https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/708ae68d64b17c52,2806f82d786f0ca1,6391a6e77eaf686a.html