[Production of vitamin B12 by fermentation]

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Industrial Microbiology

Background:

• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is an essential nutrient with complex microbial synthesis pathways.
• Optimizing microbial strains and fermentation processes is crucial for cost-effective vitamin B12 production.
• Streptomyces species are known producers of various bioactive compounds, including vitamin B12.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the vitamin B12 production capabilities of different Streptomyces strains on a laboratory scale.
• To identify the most efficient microorganism for vitamin B12 synthesis among the tested strains.
• To establish a foundation for further optimization of industrial vitamin B12 fermentation.

Main Methods:

• Laboratory-scale fermentation experiments were conducted using three selected Streptomyces strains: Streptomyces olivaceus IFO 3409, Streptomyces olivaceus CBS 355.53, and Streptomyces griseus CBS 161.45.
• Vitamin B12 activity in fermentation broths was quantified using microbiological assays.
• Lactobacillus leichmannii IFO 3073 (ATCC 4797) served as the indicator microorganism for the bioassays.

Main Results:

• Streptomyces olivaceus IFO 3409 exhibited the highest vitamin B12 production, achieving a yield of 2 micrograms/ml.
• Streptomyces olivaceus CBS 355.53 and Streptomyces griseus CBS 161.45 showed lower, but still measurable, vitamin B12 yields.
• The results highlight significant strain-dependent variations in vitamin B12 biosynthesis.

Conclusions:

• Streptomyces olivaceus IFO 3409 is identified as the most effective strain for laboratory-scale vitamin B12 production among those tested.
• This finding supports the selection of S. olivaceus IFO 3409 for further research and development in industrial vitamin B12 manufacturing.
• The study underscores the importance of strain selection in optimizing microbial fermentation processes for vitamin B12.