Alterations in Growth and Metabolism of Meleumycin Producing Strains after Adding Propionate

In order to investigate the influence of propionate on meleumycin biosynthesis, certain concentration of propionate was added to the fermentation medium. The meleumycin product increased by 35.2% and the synthesis of midecamycin A1 was promoted as the result of 6×10-4 g/mL propionate added at the beginning of fermentation, but the growth of strain was inhibited. The synthesis of meleumycin was repressed and the strain appeared secondary growth when propionate was added at the time of 12 h. The cell concentration was 40% higher than that of control. The promoted growth metabolic flux may be lead to depress the product metabolic flux by addition of propionate at the time of 12 h.