Structural and metabolic correlation for Bacillus megaterium ACBT03 in response to colchicine biotransformation.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of colchicine on metabolic and structural changes in Bacillus megaterium ACBT03, enduring colchicine bioconversion. Electron microscopy examination of cells adapted to different concentrations of colchicine for its bioconversion to pharmacologically active 3-demethylated colchicine, endowed changes in cell shape, decreased cell wall and plasma membrane thickness. In line with microscopic studies, lipid and membrane protein contents were drastically reduced in bacterial cells adapted to higher concentrations of colchicine and resulting into decrease in cell membrane thickness.

Statistical optimization of process variables for the production of an anticancer drug (colchicine derivatives) through fermentation: at scale-up level.

Effect of various nutritional components and fermentation parameters on biotransformation of colchicine using Bacillus megaterium ACBT03 to produce 3-demethylated colchicine (3-DMC) has been investigated. Initially, Plackett-Burman (PB) design was used to evaluate the 11 nutritional variables to screen medium component that significantly influences the 3-demethylated colchicine (3-DMC) production. Three most statistically significant nutrients that is starch, glycerol and yeast extract were identified.