Effect of Castor Oil on Bioprocess Parameters of Erythromycin Fermentation by Saccharopolyspora Erythraea

Background: Increased economic competitiveness in the biopharmaceutical industry requires continuous improvement of bioprocesses. In this regard compositions of fermentation media have an important role in bioprocesses. Objectives: The modification of the culture medium has proven effective in enhancing the yield and productivity of fermentation processes. The objective was to investigate the influence of castor oil as the main carbon source for Saccharopolyspora erythraea, on the yield of antibiotic fermentative production. Material and Methods: The titer of erythromycin was evaluated in Saccharopolyspora erythraea cultures, containing various concentrations of castor oil, in comparison to the control culture containing rapeseed oil. Results: The results showed an enhancement in erythromycin production when 50 g.L-1and 40 g.L-1of castor oil were added to the fermentation culture instead of rapeseed oil, respectively. The highest amount of production was obtained on the eleventh day of fermentation time in all media. Conclusion: Erythromycin production in the control medium was relatively less than that of the treatments, indicating that S. erythraea consumed castor oil as a rich alternative carbon source. The results show that castor oil was more suitable as a carbon source for erythromycin production than a medium containing rapeseed oil.