Effects of oxygen concentration on biomass production, maximum specific growth rate and extracellular enzyme production by three species of cutaneous propionibacteria grown in continuous culture.

Propionibacterium acnes, Propionibacterium avidum and Propionibacterium granulosum were grown in continuous culture at 0-100% air saturation using a semi-synthetic medium. Maximum specific growth rate, biomass concentration and extracellular lipase, hyaluronate lyase and phosphatase activities were determined. All three species were capable of growth at 100% air saturation but at reduced growth rates. The presence of oxygen altered the production of extra-cellular enzymes. Propionibacterium avidum was the best adapted for growth in aerobic environments.