Beta-poly(L-malate) production by non-growing microplasmodia of Physarum polycephalum. Effects of metabolic intermediates and inhibitors.

The production of beta-poly(L-malate) (PMLA) by non-growing microplasmodia of Physarum polycephalum was investigated. Growth was minimal in culture medium devoid of nitrogen source, but PMLA production occurred at a substantial rate. The addition of metabolic intermediates, malate, fumarate, succinate, and oxaloacetate, and the omission of hematin showed considerable growth inhibition in the presence of the nitrogen source, while PMLA production per unit biomass increased significantly. The results indicated that PMLA production was dissociated from biomass production under these conditions. The stimulating effect of carbonate on PMLA production was independent on growth. Cultivation in the absence of the nitrogen source and hematin or in the presence of the metabolites may be a useful technique for efficient PMLA production at a minimum of biomass production.