Unveiling the hidden chemistry of Antarctic fungi: Metabolomic Insights from OSMAC-based diversification

The Antarctic environment harbors a unique and chemically underexplored fungal diversity with promising biosynthetic potential [ 1 ]. Exploring these cold-adapted fungi contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15, promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, and SDG 9, by fostering innovation through novel natural products. Unlocking their secondary metabolites may lead to new biotechnological applications while reinforcing the value of preserving fragile polar ecosystems. In this study, the OSMAC (One Strain-Many Compounds) approach was employed to investigate the chemical diversification of six Antarctic fungal strains: Penicillium terrigenum , Epicoccum nigrum , Periconia sp., Penicillium chrysogenum , Antarctomyces psychrotrophicus , and Rhodotorula sp. The marine-derived fungi P. terrigenum , E. nigrum , and Periconia sp. were cultivated in five different media: rice, malt, potato dextrose, and Sabouraud broths supplemented with sea salt, as well as in marine broth. In contrast, P. chrysogenum , A. psychrotrophicus , and Rhodotorula sp. were grown in potato dextrose, malt, and Sabouraud broths without sea salt. Fermentations were performed in triplicate for 14-28 days and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×). Extracts were subjected to chemical analyses using 1 H NMR and HPLC-DAD. Multivariate analysis (PCA) of the 1 H NMR spectra unveiled shifts in metabolite profiles driven by culture conditions. These findings underscore the role of media composition in modulating fungal secondary metabolism. Distinct molecular signatures emerged across different culture media, revealing how subtle environmental tweaks can reshape chemical output. In E. nigrum , salinity enhanced the production of epicorazine A, illustrating how the OSMAC approach can effectively awaken silent biosynthetic pathways and expand chemical diversity. Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany