Production of CPC using Immobilized cells of Acremonium chrysogenum by Entrapment Technique in ALR

Calcium, barium and strontium alginates were studied to develop a suitable gel matrix for the immobilization of A. chrysogenum (mold) cells for Cephalosporin C production. Calcium alginate gave best results in both gel stability and cell activity. Modified minimal production media for immobilized whole cell has been also evaluated. Cell growth rate of immobilized cell was about 39% of the growth rate of free cells. β lactam antibiotic production rate of immobilized cells was also limited by mass transfer of oxygen and it was found to be 65% of free cells at oxygen saturation condition. Specific antibiotic production of immobilized cells was about 210% of free cells at saturated oxygen condition. The repeated fed batch fermentations were conducted (every 96 h) using the optimized alginate beads, employing the production media in 5 L Air Lift (Internal) Reactor. The increase in CPC production was observed up to the 5^th cycle, and later gradual decrease in CPC production was observed.