RESUMO
Calcium carbonate is added to fermentation media in biosynthesis of tetracyclines for providing definite pH values and binding tetracycline into insoluble complexes. Seven different samples were studied with respect to their physical properties, such as the microscopic size of the particles, their form, capacity for agglomeration, specific volume, rate of the particle precipitation and chemical properties, such as purity, buffer capacity, effect on the medium pH before and after sterilization. The above properties were studied in comparison with activity chlortetracycline biosynthesis. Microfine calcium carbonate proved to be the best from the point of view of productivity of Str. aureofaciens. With its use the activity of the culture fluid increased by 20 per cent as compared to the other samples. The titration curve of the sample had the lowest bend.