Production of rifamycin SV using mutant strains of Amycolatopsis mediterranei MTCC17

Production of rifamycin SV using mutant strains of Amycolatopsis mediterran ei (MTCC17) has been studied. Attempts were made to increase the productivi ty of rifamycin SV by ultraviolet radiation and specific screening programm es for selection of superior producers. Among 20 morphologically variant mu tants of A. mediterranei MTCC17 isolated, four mutants showed increased res istance to the rifamycin SV. These selected mutant isolates increased the y ield of rifamycin SV from 2000 to 3250 mg/l.