THE LABORATORY PRODUCTION OF GONYAULAX CATANELLA POISON
Abstract
Methods were developed for estimating Gonyaulax catanella growt h by direct microscopic count or by the analytical determination of cellular carbonhydrate. Use of a large inoculum, illumination with fluorescent light, and continuous incubation at 17 deg C for 7-14 days gave maximal yields of 50,000- 80,000 cells/ml in sea water and in artificial sea-water media. The addition of culture filtrates, extracts of contaminant bacteria, or organic nutrients to sea-water media did not alter growth. Addition of polymyxin B, penicillin, streptothricin, or streptomycin improved the growth. Contact with rubber products or galvanized sheet metal completely inhibited growth. Stainless steel and polyethylene inhibition were overcome with ethylene-diaminetetraacetate (EDTA); neither Al nor saran caused inhibition. Growth in the sea salt medium was improved by the addition of 0.01% EDTA and 5-15% of sea water. The contaminants in the stock G, catanella culture were not eliminated by treatment with antibiotics, washing processes, or UV irradiation. The best poison yield, 1.3 mouse units/ml, was obtained in 3.5 l of sea-water culture containing 17 Gamma of polymyxin B/ml after 7 days of incubation in a rotating fermenter with continuous fluorescent illumination.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 06, 1952
- Accession Number
- AD0002144
Entities
People
- Carl R. Brewer
- Lloyd H. Graf
- Mabel J. Thacher
Organizations
- United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories