Use of Coil Planet Centrifuge in the Isolation of Antibiotics

Abstract

In the course of isolating antibiotics from actinomycete fermentations, we have found the Ito Multi-Layer Coil Planet Centrifuge (CPC) can effect separations of such quality on crude fermentation extracts, that frequently, meaningful spectral data may be obtained on the separated bioactive component from a single counter-current chromatography. This paper outlines the use of CPC counter-current distribution in the isolation-separation of siderochelin A, efrotomycin, pentalenolactone, Bu 2313 B, and the closely related congeners, tirandamycins A and B. The discussion includes general methods for solvent system selection and sample preparation. Spectral data on the isolated compounds are presented as evidence for the quality of separations effected. The variety of structural types presented demonstrates the versatility of the coil planet centrifuge as a tool in separation science.