[Nisin formation by immobilized cells of the lactic acid bacterium, Streptococcus lactis]

The problem of microbial cell immobilization at present attracts the ever increasing attention of the scientists, since such organisms may be the source of various enzymes. Production of nizin by the immobilized cells of Str. lactis was studied. It was found that the cells of Str. lactis incorporated into polyacrylamide gel produced nizit on definite media. Still, the amount of the antibiotic was 2-3 times lower than in case of using free cells. The effect of a number of factors on the process of immobilization was studied and the influence of some factors, such as temperature, pH, aeration on nizin synthesis by the immobilized cells of the streptococcus was elucidated. Optimal conditions for nizin biosynthesis by the immobilized cells of Str. lactis were developed.