Some engineering aspects of streptomycin biosynthesis

This paper presents an analysis of the hydrodynamic and mass transfer conditions, obtained in two bioreactors equipped with classical and modified Rushton turbine agitators and their effect on the streptomycin production. The modified blade turbines are attractive alternatives to the standard Rushton turbine as they do not require any modification in the electrical engine motor and drive assemblies and are simple to manufacture. In the streptomycin biosynthesis process, the relative antibiotic production is increased by 18%, when modified turbine agitator is used.