Ester antibiotic accumulation by Streptomyces hygroscopicus

In an attempt to maximize the ester antibiotic production by Streptomyces hygroscopicus D1.5, its efficacy was found to be enhanced by manipulation of the nutrient and physical environment. The two stage fermentation using seed inoculum (10% v/v) resulted in better production while fermentation continued for 5 days in pH 7.0 at 30 degrees C. Enhanced yield was also observed in whole cell immobilization. Under entrapment, maximum yield was achieved at 7th and 9th day of fermentation for mycelia and spore. In addition, the beads could be reused up to the 3rd cycle.