Factors affecting the microbial production of ferrichrome.

The isolation and general properties of ferrichrome have been reported elsewhere (l-3). Studies on the fundamental biological mechanism of action of this compound may be directed into one or both of two channels. The substance may be examined for its mode of action by using an organism for which it shows growth factor activity, i.e. Pilobolus kleinii. Alternatively, it may be studied in an organism which produces it, i.e. Ustilago sphaerogena. The recent development of a sensitive and accurate assay method for ferrichrome (4) has facilitated the second approach and hence this paper is concerned with the production of ferrichrome by U. sphaerogena.