Production of an antifungal antibiotic by Streptomyces aburaviensis 1DA-28

A broad-spectrum antifungal Streptomyces isolate, 1DA-28, from Indian soil has been characterized and identified as Streptomyces aburaviensis var, ablastmyceticus (MTCC 2469). Nutritional and cultural conditions for the production of antibiotic by this organism under shake-flask conditions have been determined. Antibiotic production in synthetic medium reached the maximum on the 5th day of incubation at 30 degreesC. Glucose and starch were found to be the best carbon sources while NH4NO3 was preferred as nitrogen source. Optimum temperature and pH for antibiotic production were 32 degreesC and 7.4, respectively. Phosphate at a concentration sub-optimal for growth enhanced antibiotic production. Supplementation of medium with casein hydrolysate improved both growth and antibiotic titre but yeast extract exhibited marked inhibition.