Improved secondary metabolite production in the genus Streptosporangium byoptimization of the fermentation conditions

The cultivation of strains of the genus Streptosporangium in batch fermenta tions demonstrated that the optimal conditions for secondary metabolite pro duction are completely different to those of the closely related genus Stre ptomyces. The dissolved oxygen tension (pO(2)) was identified as an importa nt parameter for optimal production of secondary metabolites in submerged c ultures. Extreme variations of this parameter by changes in aeration (gas f low), agitation system and stirrer speed showed a tremendous impact in prod uction yields of all investigated strains. Finally, a 20-fold increase in p roductivity was observed by conditions of controlled oxygen excess compared to optimal fermentation conditions for Streptomyces strains. (C) 2000 Else vier Science B.V. All rights reserved.