Bioconversion of D-psicose to D-tagatose and D-talitol by Mucoraceae fungi.

Rhizopus oryzae MYA-2483, which cannot utilize D-psicose as a sole source of carbon, converted D-psicose to two other compounds. These compounds were identified by NMR and IR as D-tagatose and D-talitol. In this study, we describe for the first time the bioconversion of D-psicose to D-tagatose.

Chitosan productivity enhancement in Rhizopus oryzae YPF-61A by D-psicose.

The effect of the rare sugar D-psicose on chitosan production by Rhizopus oryzae was studied. The fungus was not able to utilize D-psicose as a sole source of carbon, either for germination of the spores or for growth of the vegetative cells. In a medium containing a low amount of D-glucose, however, D-psicose supplementation between 5 and 12 g/l caused enhancement of the productivity of chitinous substances, especially chitosan, in the cell walls.