Full Length Research Paper

Antibiotic and surfactant effects on lysine accumulation by Bacillus megaterium

I. A. Ekwealor¹* and J. A. N. Obeta²

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

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

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

Accepted 29 January, 2008

The effects of antibiotics and surfactants on lysine accumulation in the culture broth of three strains of Bacillus megaterium (B. megaterium SP 86, B. megaterium SP 76 and B. megaterium SP 14) were investigated. Lincomycin, neomycin and tetracycline stimulated lysine increase in B. megaterium SP 76 and B. megaterium SP 14, while erythromycin enhanced lysine yield in all three strains. Palmitic acid improved lysine accumulation in B. megaterium SP 86 and B. megaterium SP 14. However, Tween 80 and linoleic acid stimulated lysine increase in B. megaterium SP 76.

Key words: L-Lysine, antibiotics, surfactants, Bacillus megaterium, culture broth.