Production and statistical optimization of a novel olivanic acid by Streptomyces olivaceus MTCC 6820

A microbial strain, isolated from soil samples, characterized as Streptomyces olivaceus MTCC 6820 showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. The compound produced was chemically characterized as a new form of olivanic acid. Olivanic acid production was optimized statistically by Plackett-Burman design (PBD) and response surface methodology (RSM). Effects of soybean meal, glycerol, CaCO₃ and dl-alanine were investigated with the help of PBD. The individual and interaction effects of the studied variables were evaluated by RSM using central composite design (CCD). By applying statistical design, antibiotic production was enhanced nearly 8 times (415 mg/l) as compared with the normal production medium (50 mg/l).