Abstract

The monofactor-design test was used to optimize the culture conditions for the fermentation of taxol-producing fungus UV_40-19 as follows: the initial pH value of the fermentation broth was 5.5, the culture temperature was 25°C, and the rotational speed was 150 r/min. Orthogonal design was used to optimize the fermentation medium of taxol-producing fungi. The optimized medium increased the yield of taxol to 456.24 ± 2.83 µg/L, which is 115% of the yield obtained with the modified S-7 medium. The results showed a great potential for producing taxol on an industrial scale, which would lead to significant economic and social benefit in the future.
 
Key words: Taxol-producing fungi, taxol, fermentation, medium optimization.