Large-Scale Production of Coenzyme F(420)-5,6 by Using Mycobacterium smegmatis

Production of coenzyme F(420) and its biosynthetic precursor FO was examined with a variety of aerobic actinomycetes to identify an improved source for these materials. Based on fermentation costs, safety, and ease of growth, Mycobacterium smegmatis was the best source for F(420)-5,6. M. smegmatis produced 1 to 3 μmol of intracellular F(420) per liter of culture, which was more than the 0.85 to 1.0 μmol of F(420)-2 per liter usually obtained with Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum and ∼10-fold higher than what was previously reported for the best aerobic actinomycetes. An improved chromatography system using rapidly flowing quaternary aminoethyl ion-exchange material and Florisil was used to more quickly and easily purify F(420) than with previous methods.