FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PRODUCTION OF PENICILLIN-V ACYLASE BY CHAINIA, A SCLEROTIAL STREPTOMYCES

Aerobic culture of a Streptomyces was found to produce penicillin V ac ylase (PVA) (PA, EC-3.5.1.11) extracellularly. Strain characteristics recorded on various media and presence of mature sclerotia led to its identification as Chainia, a sclerotial Streptomyces. The Chainia acyl ase hydrolyzed penicillin V (Pen V) preferentially. Maximum conversion of Pen V to 6-aminopenicillanic acid (6-APA) was observed when the 48 hour old fermented broth was used as an enzyme source. Fermentation p arameters and the culture condition of the strain was optimized for hi gh acylase activity.