CARBON SOURCE NUTRITION OF RAPAMYCIN BIOSYNTHESIS IN STREPTOMYCES-HYGROSCOPICUS

Chemically-defined media were developed for rapamycin production by St reptomyces hygroscopicus. Thirty-five carbon sources were tested for t heir effect on production. Eight failed to support growth and seven ap peared to repress or inhibit rapamycin formation. The best combination of two carbon sources were 2% fructose and 0.5% mannose. Acetate and propionate, which are known to contribute most of the carbon atoms of the lactone ring, were unsatisfactory for growth and/or rapamycin prod uction.