Processes behind high spinosad yield identified

Scientists have used several quantitative analysis methods to identify a process which would increase the yield of spinosad.

Saccharopolyspora spinosa can be used to produce environment-friendly biopesticide spinosad, which is derived from a mixture of two polyketide-derived macrolide active ingredients called spinosyns A and D.

However, previous efforts have resulted in a low yield in wild-type S.spinosa, so scientists have been keen to improve production levels.

In a study published by Proteome Science, the team undertook comparative analysis of the 12 shared proteins between the two strains, which revealed that approximately 31 per cent of them changed their abundance significantly and fell in all of the functional groups

Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis, among other processes, the scientists have highlighted the disparity between differently expressed proteins between the two S.spinosa strains.

The team reported that this investigation provided clues that would aid the understanding of the molecular and metabolic mechanisms, which could lead to higher yields.