Rapid method for characterization of actinomycetes by cell wall composition.

To achieve a rapid identification of the cell wall components of actinomycetes, several modifications of the procedure of Cummins and Harris were developed. Purified cell walls were prepared by extraction of whole cells with 0.1 N NaOH. A 2-hr 2 N HCl hydrolysate was prepared for identification of sugars. A 2-hr 6 N HCl hydrolysate was prepared for amino acid analysis. Two-dimensional paper chromatography was run on 19-cm papers. Total time required for a single analysis was approximately 24 hr. This procedure gave qualitative results which were completely satisfactory for differentiation of certain species in the genus Actinomyces and in related genera.