Abstract Response surface methodology was used to optimize the fermentation conditions for the
production of pristinamycin by immobilization of
Streptomyces pristinaespiralis
F213 in shaking flask
cultivation. Seed medium volume, fermentation medium volume and shaking speed of seed culture were
found to have significant effects on pristinamycin production by the Plackett-Burman design. The
steepest ascent method was adopted to approach the vicinity of optimum space, followed by central
composite design for further optimization. A quadratic model was built to fit the pristinamycin production.
The optimum conditions were found to be seed medium volume of 29.5 ml, fermentation medium volume
of 28.8 ml, and shaking speed of seed culture at 204 rpm. At the optimum conditions, a production of 213
mg/l was obtained, which was in agreement with the maximum predicted pristinamycin yield of 209 mg/l.
This is the first report on pristinamycins production by immobilized
S. pristinaespiralis using response
surface methodology.