The effect of amphiphilic polymers on growth of Bordetella pertussis and production of B. pertussis haemagglutinins.

The effect, upon addition to a culture medium of amphiphilic polymers such as partly hydrolysed polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) or partly methylated cellulose (MeCel) on growth and production of haemagglutinins--the filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA) and the pertussis toxin (PT)--has been investigated. As a result, an increase of HA-titer and PT could be achieved. Besides these effects the addition of the amphiphilic polymers stimulated growth of B. pertussis. The above results are comparable to, or even better than, those obtained by addition of Heptakis (2,6-0-dimethyl) beta-cyclodextrin (Me-beta-CD) or polyvinyul alcohols (PVA) which have already been described as compounds to enhance growth and yield of haemagglutinins.