Regulation of tacrolimus production by altering primary source of carbons and amino acids

Aims: In the present communication, attempts have been made to regulate the tacrolimus production by supplementing commercial source of carbons and amino acids timely. Methods and Results: Tacrolimus production was regulated by supplying vegetable oils and amino acids, individually and in combination. Tacrolimus quantification was done by HPLC. Streptomyces spp. MA6858 B3178 was found to produce 115 center dot 3 mg l(-1) of tacrolimus. The rotation speed of shake flask, pH of the broth and supply of air were maintained at 7 center dot 1, 230 rev min(-1) and 2 center dot 0 vvm air respectively. Conclusions: The effect of carbons on tacrolimus production was noticed to be of diphasic manner. During the first 24 h of culture, monosaccharide is used for the growth of microbe. However, after the lapse of 36 h, addition of soya oil and l-lysine in combination enhanced the tacrolimus production to 115 center dot 3 mg l(-1). Besides this, pH of broth was also noticed as a critical factor in monitoring tacrolimus biosynthesis. Significance and Impact of the Study: The newly isolated mutant Streptomyces spp. MA6858 B3178 having high potential for tacrolimus production as compared to existing data can be well used for the commercialization of tacrolimus.