Antibiotic DE-3936, a polyether antibiotic identical with lonomycin. Taxonomy, fermentation, isolation and characterization

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Natural Product Chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Streptomycetes are a prolific source of bioactive natural products.
• The discovery of novel antibiotics is crucial for combating antimicrobial resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize a new antibiotic from a Streptomyces strain.
• To determine the chemical properties and biological activity spectrum of the isolated compound.

Main Methods:

• Fermentation of Streptomyces strain No. 9735-1.
• Isolation and purification of antibiotic DE-3936 from the fermentation broth.
• Determination of molecular formula (C44H75O14Na) and chemical properties.
• Antimicrobial and antiprotozoal activity screening.

Main Results:

• Antibiotic DE-3936 was successfully isolated.
• The compound is hydrophobic and identified as a polyether antibiotic.
• DE-3936 exhibited activity against Gram-positive bacteria, mycobacteria, mycoplasma, and protozoa, with notable efficacy against coccidia.
• Chemical and biological properties indicated identity with lonomycin.

Conclusions:

• Antibiotic DE-3936 is a potent polyether antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity.
• The compound shows promise for therapeutic applications against various microbial and protozoal infections.
• DE-3936 is identical to the known antibiotic lonomycin, confirming its class and potential.