How is erythromycin made?

Answer 1

Erythromycin is produced through a fermentation process using the bacterium Saccharopolyspora erythraea (formerly known as Streptomyces erythreus). This microorganism synthesizes erythromycin from simple organic compounds, primarily carbohydrates, in controlled environments. The fermentation process involves growing the bacteria in nutrient-rich media under specific temperature and pH conditions, allowing for the production and subsequent extraction of erythromycin. After fermentation, the antibiotic is purified through various chemical processes to achieve the desired pharmaceutical formulation.