Extracellular Accumulation of Phenazine Derivatives by Arthrobacter paraffineus Grown on n-Paraffin

Abstract

During the growth of Arthrobacter paraffineus KY 7134 on n-paraffin as the sole source of carbon, it was found that two sorts of crystalline pigments, yellow and deep-red, were accumulated in the culture medium. These were isolated and identified respectively as 1, 6-dihydroxyphenazine (DHP) and 1, 6-dihydroxyphenazine-5, 10-di-N-oxide (DHPO).
For the production of these pigments by this microorganism, n-paraffin, particularly n-octadecane was the most preferable carbon source. Furthermore, controlling the medium-pH in the neutral range and keeping the aeration of the higher level in the growing phase were essential for this fermentation.