Carbon source nutrition of rapamycin biosynthesis in Streptomyces hygroscopicus.

Chemically-defined media were developed for rapamycin production by Streptomyces hygroscopicus. Thirty-five carbon sources were tested for their effect on production. Eight failed to support growth and seven appeared to repress or inhibit rapamycin formation. The best combination of two carbon sources were 2% fructose and 0.5% mannose. Acetate and propionate, which are known to contribute most of the carbon atoms of the lactone ring, were unsatisfactory for growth and/or rapamycin production.