Induction, growth and antibiotic production of Streptomyces viridifaciens L-form bacteria

Carol Mary Jean Innes, Eunice Jessie Allan

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    15 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Aims: To induce, cultivate and investigate the characteristics of L-form bacteria derived from the filamentous actinomycete Streptomyces viridifaciens.

    Methods and Results: L-forms were induced in a liquid medium supplemented with lysozyme and penicillin. A stable culture which no longer required inducing agents but could still revert, was obtained by the twelfth subculture. The specific growth rate of stable L-forms was faster (0.751) than unstable L-forms (0.361). After the exponential growth phase, the cell diameter continued to increase, as did the percentage of vacuoles. Morphologically, the L-forms appeared as spherical bodies with no signs of differentiation and were sensitive to osmotic stress, indicating removal of the cell wall. The L-forms produced secondary metabolites although much lower levels of antibiotic were assayed in the L-forms compared with the cell walled forms.

    Conclusions: Stable L-form bacteria were induced from S. viridifaciens and their growth characterized. The L-forms produced secondary metabolites.

    Significance and Impact of the Study: Stable Streptomyces L-forms were induced and have potential as biocontrol agents.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)301-308
    Number of pages7
    JournalJournal of Applied Microbiology
    Volume90
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2001

    Keywords

    • SYRINGAE PV PHASEOLICOLA
    • STABLE L-FORM
    • PLANTS
    • DISEASE

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