Oxygen-Transfer Demand of Bacillus licheniformis under Conditions of Submerged Cultivation

Abstract

We have studied the influence of oxygen transfer in the biosynthesis of bacitracin. The intensity of oxygen transfer within the range of 0.37 to 2.43 ml of O(2) per ml per hr during growth of the inoculum has no effect. The production of bacitracin is very important in the actual fermentation phase. Oxygen transfer must not fall below the lowest limit; in the case of fermentation medium with 5 and 6% peanut meal, 0.97 and 1.39 ml of O(2) per ml per hr, respectively, are the limits. Increased oxygen-transfer above the optimal value does not lead to a reduced production of bacitracin.