ISSN:
0006-3592
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
Notes:
An exploratory study is described on the use of a biphasic culture technique for production of toxin by C. tetani. The biphasic system used was a combination of dextran and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in the presence of a protein-free medium. The system supported good growth and gave a favorable phase ratio (top/bottom) of 15:1. The majority of the bacterial cells were in the bottom dextran phase, while the greater part of the toxin was in the upper PEG-medium phase. Toxin yields from a typical experiment were 109 mouse IP MLD/ml. of upper phase filtrate. The biphasic culture system was also adaptable to continuous culture, with approximately similar toxin levels found in the upper phase. The appearance of the clostridial cells in older cultures suggested the possibility of protoplast formation, perhaps stabilized by the polymers present. In vitro toxin titration (Lf) was inhibited by the presence of the polymers. Bacillus anthracis also grew well in the biphasic system and elaborated protective antigen, primarily into the upper phase.
Additional Material:
6 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bit.260070305
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