Production of Erythromycin With Saccharopolyspora erythraea

Actinomycetes are among the most fascinating microorganisms. Their developmental life cycle with its morphological and physiological differentiation and the rich repertoire of secondary metabolites (about 70-80% of bioactive secondary metabolites are being produced by actinomycetes) have resulted in a large research community studying these microbes. Of particular interest are actinomycetes for large-scale industrial production of bioactive molecules, such as polyketides, representing a diverse class of such compounds, including molecules with anticancer activity (e.g., mithramycin, daunorubicin, doxorubicin), antibacterials (e.g., erythromycin and derivatives or tetracyclines), antiparasitics (avermectins), or immunosuppressants (rapamycin). The biotechnological process for erythromycin production is described.