PROCESS FOR CONTINUOUS PRODUCTION OF LOVASTATINE

摘要

Process for continuous production of lovastatine. The present invention consists of the production of lovastatine, from cultures of Aspergillus terreus in the form of pellets, by means of a continuous fermentation process in a bubble column bioreactor operating in a similar way to a fluidized bed bioreactor (BLF) with a culture in three steps, gas, liquid and solid. Lovastatine production is regulated by means of a product inhibition mechanism, thereby halting synthesis when the concentration reaches a predetermined value. The process provides continuous production of a biomass-free fermentation medium containing the lovastine, thereby facilitating the subsequent steps of extraction and purification. The continuous operation causes part of the lovastatine generated to come out of the fluidized bed bioreactor, thereby lessening the effects of product inhibition.