The diploma thesis discusses the biotechnological and toxicological aspects of the mold Aspergillus. It presents the products of primary and secondary metabolism of these molds within the context of biotechnological applications. The thesis offers insights into recent methods for enhancing the production of citric acid and enzymes by improving the production strains of A. niger, as well as for enhancing the production of lovastatin and its derivatives through improved strains of A. terreus. In the toxicological section, key properties important for the formation of mycotoxins in selected Aspergillus species are highlighted. It describes aflatoxins produced by A. flavus and A. parasiticus, as well as ochratoxin A and fumonisins produced by A. niger, detailing the conditions under which these molds pose a risk in biotechnological product production. It also discusses A. niger strains with gene cluster deletions that prevent the synthesis of ochratoxin A and fumonisins. Additionally, the conditions that pose a risk for the formation of (+)-geodin during lovastatin production from A. terreus molds are outlined. The thesis explains how optimizing bioprocess parameters and disrupting genes in the (+)-geodin gene cluster ensures lovastatin production without mycotoxin formation. Overall, the deletion of mycotoxin gene clusters and optimization of bioprocess parameters enable the safe production of biotechnological products without mycotoxin contamination.
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