Fermentation and purification of mycolactones

Abstract

Fermentation based methods for producing mycolactones allows one to produce large quantities of mycolactones, which can be purified by extraction and chromatography to yield pure preparations of mycolactones A, B, C, and D.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for the production of mycolactones, which method comprises cultivation of  Mycobacterium ulcerans  in a dispersed suspension culture by fermentation or in spinner flasks.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mycolactones are produced in concentrations greater than that observed in T flasks.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said cells are cultivated in M7H9 medium.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said medium is enriched.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said medium is enriched by addition of egg yolk.  
     
     
         6 . A method for the purification of mycolactones that comprises extraction of media in which Mycobacterium ulcerans has been cultivated and chromatographic separation of said extract.  
     
     
         7 . Mycolactone C in substantially purified form.  
     
     
         8 . Mycolactone D in substantially purified form.