Streptomyces Antibiotics. I. Crystalline Salts of Streptomycin and Streptothricin

Abstract
Water-soluble, nitrogenous, thermostable, basic organic substances, crystalline salts of streptomycin (SM) and streptothrycin (ST), are produced by spp. of Streptomyces in suitable culture media. Concentrates were prepd. by adsorption of the active subst. with Norite-A, elution of the active subst. from the adsorbate with dilute acid, neutralization of the eluate and concentration in vacuo. Treatment of SM concentrates with methyl orange produced a crystalline helianthate salt which served to purify the active principle. The helianthate had an activity of 350 U./mg., using Bacillus subtilis in a cup assay method. It was converted to the hydrochloride with a mixt. of CH3OH and HC1. Analytical data for this compd. are stated. ST helianthate was prepared and analyzed in similar fashion.