Bioconversion of α-[14C]zearalenol and β-[14C]zearalenol into [14C]zearalenone by Fusarium roseum 'Gibbosum'

Abstract

Cultures of Fusarium roseum 'Gibbosum' on rice were treated with [14C]zearalenone, α-[14C]zearalenol, or β-[14C]zearalenol to determine whether a precursor-product relationship exists among these closely related fungal metabolites. Culture extracts were purified by silica gel column chromatography and fractionated by high-pressure liquid chromatography, and the level of radioactivity was determined. Within 7 days, the β-[14C]zearalenol was converted to zearalenone, and no residual β-[14C]zearalenol was detectable. Most of the α-[14C]zearalenol added was also converted into zearalenone within 14 days. In cultures treated with [14C]zearalenone, no radioactivity was noted in any other components.