Effect of growth conditions on production of violacein by Chromobacterium violaceum (BB-78 strain)

RESUMO

1. Chromobacterium violaceum (strain BB-78 isolated in Brazil) produces violacein, a substance potentially useful in phototherapy and with antibiotic and trypanocide activity. Culture conditions were optimized for the production of violacein and change in nutrients, temperature and pØ were correlated to cellular growth. 2. Methionine was the only absolute requirement for growth. alanine, arginine, tryptophan and vitamin B12 and its metabolites were important as a carbon source for violacein production and bacterial growth. 3. The highest yields of violacein were obtained by incubation in liquid medium and in the obsence of light at pH 7.0 and 28-C for 24 h