Conditional production and growth optimization of photosensitizers in Talaromyces islandicus
Student/in: Niccolò Mariani, BSc
Termin: 26.05.2026, 12:00 Uhr
Ort: Seminarraum Biologie
1. Prüfer/in: Mag. Dr. Pamela Vrabl
2. Prüfer/in: : Mag. Dr. Hermann Strasser
Vorsitzende/r: Assoz. Prof. Dr. Martina Höckner
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Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) depends on light-activated photosensitizers that generate reactive oxygen species to selectively kill cancer cells. Because new and more effective photosensitizers are needed, filamentous fungi are being explored as sources of photoactive secondary metabolites. Talaromyces islandicus produces several quinoid and anthraquinone pigments, including the potential photosensitizers iridoskyrin and islandicin. This thesis investigates how environmental and nutritional factors influence photosensitizer production in T. islandicus, with a particular focus on condition-dependent synthesis of iridoskyrin and islandicin. Fungal cultures grown on different conditions were analyzed by HPLC to compare metabolite profiles. Preliminary data suggests that (i) the growth medium strongly determines both biomass and metabolite composition, and (ii) iridoskyrin and islandicin are produced independently, suggesting more complex regulation than previously assumed. Current work aims to validate these findings and identify the conditions that consistently induce iridoskyrin and islandicin production. The most favourable conditions will then be scaled up to assess their potential for controlled bioprocess development.