Selective filtration in the isolation of independent clones of Streptomyces.

A single procedure for an efficient discrimination among the different size components of heterogeneous populations of Streptomyces spore suspensions is described. Conidia connected by substances of hydrophobic nature make obtaining all the spores in independent units difficult. For the isolation of pure clones, single spore suspensions were prepared by selective filtration through uniform and controlled pore size membranes. Single spore-enriched suspensions may be a useful tool for increasing the yield of auxotrophs, ensuring independent mutation during mutagenic treatments. This procedure can be extended to other sporulating species.