Characterisation of percentage viability of Streptomyces clavuligerus using image analysis

A staining procedure has been developed to identify the different physiological states of Streptomyces clavuligerus using the fluorescent, bacterial viability stain BacLight. An image analysis method was used to quantify the extent of the differently stained regions, and therefore to measure the percentage viability. In a batch fermentation, the viability of the mycelia decreased to 64% during the rapid growth phase. Following a period of fragmentation, the viability was approximately constant at 75% until late in the fermentation, when it increased to 93%.