Fermentation technology to produce Polymyxin B

1. Product introduction

A strongly cationic cyclic polypeptide antibiotic complex produced by Bacillus polymyxa, Polymyxins A, B, C, D, E, F, K, M, P, S and T have been identified, only two derivatives are of broader interest:

Derivative: 

Polymyxin B

Polymyxin E, see Colistin.

Polymyxin B is a variable mixture of B1 and B2 (predominantly B1).

Trade name(s): Aerosporin (Burroughs Wellcome) , Mastimyxin(Chassot)

2. Use

Antibacterial in human and veterinary use against Gram- bacteria. Antibiotic eye-drops and antibiotic ointment for treatment of skin minor cuts and scrapes, very often in combination with neomcin, bacitracin and steroids. Treatment of mastidis in animals. Some use in biochemical and microbial analysis.

3. Mechanism of action

Polymyxin B and the other polymyxin antibiotics act primarily by binding membrane phospholipids and disrupting the cytoplasmic membrane, inducing pore formation in bacterial walls (large enough to permit nucleotide leakage). Thus Polymyxin B has a bactericidal action on most Gram-negative bacilli (E. coli, e.g.) except proteus spp. It is not active against Neisseria species, most fungi and Gram-positive bacteria. This drug is toxic to human cells, since it can also lyse eukaryotic membranes. Activity is inhibited by iron (II), Co(II), Mn(II) and magnesium ions.

4. Performance Values

Final titre: 2.5±0.2g/lt

Fermentation time: 168 ± 24hrs

Recovery yield: 70%                        

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