A Method for Extracting and Purifying Streptomycin Suitable for Large-scale Production

SUMMARY: A method is described for extracting streptomycin from culture filtrates by adsorption on charcoal at pH 6–8, elution with 1·2% (v/v) aqueous phosphoric acid, readsorption of the eluate on charcoal at pH 7, elution with acidified methanol, followed by evaporation at reduced pressure and precipitation of streptomycin by dilution of the concentrated methanol eluate with 5 volumes acetone or amyl acetate. An indication is given of the order of recovery, and the potency of the product obtained. The stability of streptomycin under the conditions of pH and temperature to which it may be subjected during the extraction is outlined. The process has been carried out in pilot-scale production equipment handling 1500 1. batches of culture filtrate.