Production of Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)

Microorganisms Used

• Propionibacterium freudenreichii

• Pseudomonas denitrificans

• Bacillus megaterium

Fermentation Process

1. Fermenter Type: Aerated stirred-tank fermenter

2. Fermentation Method: Submerged fermentation

3. Medium Composition: 

   • Carbon source: Molasses, glucose

   • Nitrogen source: Corn steep liquor, yeast extract

   • Cobalt salts (essential for B12 biosynthesis)

4. Conditions: 

   • pH: 6.0-7.5

   • Temperature: 28-30°C

   • Aeration: High oxygen supply

   • Duration: 3-5 days

5. Downstream Processing: 

   • Filtration to remove biomass

   • Vitamin B12 extracted using solvents

   • Purification by chromatography or precipitation

Applications

• Used to treat pernicious anemia and in animal feed supplements