The influence of modified media with carboxymethyl cellulose on morphology and antibiotic production by Streptomyces hygroscopicus

Actinomycetes, especially members of the genus Streptomyces, are responsible for producing the majority of known antibiotics. The production of antibiotics by filamentous organisms is often dependent on the morphology and size distribution of the pellet population within the culture. The effect of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) on growth and antibiotic (hexaene and azalomycine) production by Strepotmyces hygroscopicus were investigated. By adding the polymer to the fermentation medium, the growth was changed from a single large glob to small reproducible pellets, and wall growth was diminished to a minimum. Maximum concentration of hexaene was reached at 3% (wt/vol) CMC and maximum concentration of azalomycine was reached at 1% (wt/vol) CMC.