[Ionophore characteristics of heliomycin]

A highly purified product, identified as a well-known antibiotic geliomycin, has been derived by gradient extraction of the mycelium from Streptomyces robefuscus isolated from soil specimens as a result of purposeful search for a producer of hydrophobic ionophore antibiotics. The ionophore properties of geliomycin are highly labile and inducible. Cationic or anionic nature and the angle of the function performed depend on the concentration, type of electrolyte, protocol of measurements, and some additives used for the preparation of geliomycin electrodes to measurements. Stable development of the cationic function was detected for potassium chloride. The lability of ionophore properties was the highest with ammonium chloride as the electrolyte. Ammonium acetate and potassium and sodium chlorides notably increased the stability of geliomycin electrodes. Selective activity of geliomycin towards potassium ion is a more permanent characteristic. The results permit a conclusion about the inducibility of ionophore properties of geliomycin, which may play an important role in the vital activity of the producer and manifest as a regulatory factor in maintenance of water and acid base balance.