Fungi Allergens Produced by Solid-State Fermentation Process

Abstract

Allergenic extracts were produced from Drechslera (Helminthosporium) monoceras biomass cultured by solid-state fermentation using wheat bran as the substrate. The main fermentation variables were selected by statistical design, and the optimized biomass yield (1.43 mg/[g of dry substrate · d]) was obtained at pH 9.5 and 45.8% moisture. The allergenic extracts were produced from crude extract by protein precipitation and polyphenol removal. Proteins in the range of 16–160 kDa were identified in the extracts. Their reactions in patients were characterized by in vivo cutaneous tests (positive in 40% of the atopic patients) and by dot-blotting assays.