Enabling the biosynthesis of Antroquinonol in submerged fermentation of Antrodia camphorata

Abstract In recent years, Antroquinonol has been considered as one of the most potent bioactive components in the medicinal mushroom Antrodia camphorata . However, Antroquinonol could not be produced via conventional submerged fermentation of A. camphorata . In this study, the biosynthesis of Antroquinonol was successfully enabled and stimulated in the submerged fermentation by the addition of its precursors including p-hydroxybenzoic acid, geraniol and coenzyme Q 0 . Referred to their structures, they involve in the biosynthesis of the quinonoid nucleus and polyprenyl side chain of Antroquinonol, respectively. Moreover, the appropriate concentration and addition time of these precursors were systematically studied. The maximum production of Antroquinonol could be achieved at 82.22 ± 0.49 mg/L with the multiple additions of coenzyme Q 0 and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. This study demonstrated the bioprocess regulation of Antroquinonol production, which will be of great significance for the scientific study of A. camphorata .