Fermentation studies with Streptomyces griseus. I. Carbohydrate sources for the production of protease and streptomycin.

The effects of four carbon sources and inorganic phosphate on the production of streptomycin and protease by a strain of Streptomyces griseus were studied. Protease production was increased in fermentations with comparatively rapid consumption of carbohydrate, and streptomycin was produced under conditions of moderately slow consumption. Starch was consumed more rapidly than glucose, and, in fermentations with starch as a carbon source, good yields of protease were associated with poor yields of streptomycin. The effect of the concentration of inorganic phosphate varied with the sugar source; the rate of consumption of glucose or fructose increased with the addition of inorganic phosphate, and the utilization of starch or maltose was not affected.