BACTERIAL MASS PRODUCTION OF PACLITAXEL

摘要

The present invention relates to a biologically pure culture of a novel bacteria of genus Erwinia, which is isolated from Taxus canadensis, and wherein the bacteria of genus Erwinia taxi is characterized by the production of paclitaxel and related taxanes in a fermentative or respiratory type of metabolism from simple semi-synthetic or synthetic culture media. Also, the present invention relates to a method of bacterial mass production of paclitaxel and related taxanes which comprises the steps of: a) culturing the bacteria of genus Erwinia taxi of the present invention in a growth-supporting nutrient medium capable of promoting growth and reproduction of the bacteria, and wherein the culturing is effected for a time sufficient to allow production of paclitaxel and related taxanes; and b) isolating the produced paclitaxel and related taxanes from the culturing medium of step a).