Sialic acid and biomass production by Streptococcus agalactiae under different growth conditions

A fermentation process to increase type capsular polysaccharide production by different serotypes of Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus) was established. As sialic acid is an integral component of the polysaccharide, its synthesis was used to monitor polysaccharide, its synthesis was used to monitor polysaccharide production. Culture conditions, examined both on laboratory and pilot-plant scales, allowed optimal bacterial growth and high polysaccharide production in a medium composed of ultrafiltered Todd Hewitt broth supplemented with 2% (w/v) glucose and 1.5% (w/v) Na2HPO4, at a constant pH of 7.2. Studies using different gas atmospheres (air, CO2 or their mixture) showed that air greatly enhanced polysaccharide production.