Biotransformation of Ferulic acid to Vanillin by the fungus, Schizophyllum commune Fr.

The abundant and readily available precursor Ferulic acid (4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid) was utilized to evaluate the biotransformation potential of S. commune in catabolizing the precursor Ferulic acid, Ferulic acid metabolism is expected to occur via. propanoic chain degradation to form Vanillic acid which was further metabolized to Protocatechuic aldehyde (3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde) via. Protocatechuic acid (3, 4-dihydroxybenzoic acid) or by reductive pathway forming Vanillin (4-hydroxy-3- methoxybenzaldehyde) The percentage of biotransformation was found to be 93 in production of Vanillic acid (4-hydroxy-3- methoxybenzoic acid) from Ferulic acid for biomass of 0.025gms (fresh weight) at a concentration of 02.5mM Ferulic acid in 50ml. Minimal media, at 370 C, pH (6.0) and an incubation period of 10 days. The presence of Vanillin is detected. along with Protocatechuic acid. Vanillin accumulation was found to be in remarkable amounts when Vanillic acid was fed as sole carbon source. Vanillic acid is an intermediate metabolite of Ferulic acid and immediate precursor of Vanillin. The potential of the fungus to convert Vanillic acid (10.0mM) concentration was explored and an yield of 4.5gl-1 was found on 12th day of incubation. Formation of Protocatechuic acid alone from Ferulic acid was noticed at pH (8.0) under static experimental conditions. This indicates that S. commune follows an entirely novel path of catabolism in alkaline conditions in comparison to acidic environment.