Production of oxytetracycline from agricultural wastes using Streptomyces spp

Abstract

The production of oxytetracycline by some Streptomyces spp in solid state fermentation from four agricultural wastes like groundnut shells, corncob, corn pomace and cassava peels were investigated. The proximate analyses of the various wastes showed that groundnut shells had the highest protein and fibre contents. Oxytetracycline was detected on the third day of fermentation and reached its peak on the sixth day. Streptomyces vendagensis ATCC 25507 produced 120mg g^-1 oxytetracycline with groundnut shells as the substrate in solid state followed by S. rimosus NRRL B2659 (90mg g^-1 substrate) S. alboflavus NRRL B1273 (83mg g^-1 substrate) S. viridifaciens (50mg g^-1 substrate) and S. aureofaciens NRRL B2183 (42mg g^-1). The optimum range of initial moisture content of the substrate for the production of the antibiotic was between 65 to 70%. At pH of 5.5-6.5, maximal level of antibiotic production was achieved.

Keywords: cassava peels, corncobs, pomace, groundnut shells, oxytetracycline, Streptomyces spp, fermentation

Nigerian Food Journal Vol. 23 2005: 174-182