Aspergillus terreus is a filamentous fungus used in the production of lovastatin, a cholesterol-lowering drug. This molecule is biosynthesized in the form of β-hydroxy acid, the so-called mevinolinic acid. The aim of the present work was to determine the effect of rapeseed oil concentration on the production of mevinolinic acid, (+)-geodin and asterric acid in submerged cultures. The quantitative analysis was performed with the use of liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry. The presence of rapeseed oil did not lead to the enhancement of mevinolinic acid production, but stimulated the biosynthesis of (+)-geodin and asterric acid. The inhibition of (+)-geodin production and the increased levels of mevinolinic acid were achieved in the medium lacking the source of chloride ions. However, this also led to the induction of asterric acid biosynthesis. A further increase in the concentration of this metabolite occurred as the result of rapeseed oil supplementation.

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