Thienamycin production by immobilized cells of Streptomyces cattleya in a bubble column

A novel 2.0-L columnar reactor has been developed for the production of thienamycin by cells of Streptomyces cattleya attached to celite particles. Successful immobilization of cells was achieved by operating the column continuously at a high dilution rate during the growth phase. Scanning electron micrographs of the celite particles indicate the involvement of subcellular fibrils in the attachment of cells to the solid surfaces. Reactor operation was divided into two distinct phases-a growth phase and a production phase. The kinetics of attached growth and thienamycin production were found to be strongly influenced by nutrient concentrations. The influences of nutrient concentration on CO(2) production and thienamycin production during both the growth phase and the production phase are discussed.