Abstract
A screening test was carried out for the purpose of isolating a microorganism which produced a specific proteinase inhibitor for mold metallo-proteinase. A potent strain identified as Streptomyces rishiriensis was isolated, and this inhibitor was named fungal metallo-proteinase inhibitor (FMPI). The strain was aerobically cultured at 25°C for 26-30hr in shaking flasks with a medium consisting of 1% meat extract, 1% polypepton and 0.3% NaCl (about 100 mg/liter). FMPI showed execellent inhibitory activity against the metallo-proteinase of Aspergillus oryzae, and moderate activity against other microbials. FMPI has a low molecular weight and is stable only at alkaline region (pH>11).