African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 6 (11), pp. 1348-1351, 4 June 2007   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2007 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Effect of vitamins and bivalent metals on lysine yield in Bacillus megaterium

Ekwealor, I. A.¹* and Obeta, J. A. N.²

¹Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

²Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: amekwealor@yahoo.com. Mobile: 08056420565.

Accepted 2 February, 2007

The effects of vitamins and bivalent metals on lysine accumulation in Bacillus strains were investigated. Biotin enhanced lysine production in all the Bacillus strains, while folic acid and riboflavin stimulated lysine yields in Bacillus megaterium SP 86 only. All bivalent metals stimulated lysine accumulation in B. megaterium SP 86 and B. megaterium SP 14, while Co²⁺ and Zn²⁺ improved lysine levels in all the strains.

Key words: Vitamins, bivalent metals, L-lysine, Bacillus, accumulation.