Bioconversion of monensin by a soil bacterium, Sebekia benihana.

Abstract

Monensin (1), a carboxylic polyether antibiotic has been extensively used as an anticoccidial agent for poultry1} and to improve the efficiency of feed utilization in ruminant' animals2^. Despite the considerable economic and environmental implications of this extensive use in animals, few data are available on the detoxification processes of such molecules. Wedescribed recently the bioconversion of nigericin3) by Sebekia benihana NRRL 111 114). This soil bacterium was found to convert nigericin in three successive steps, giving compoundswhich had no ionophoric and antibiotic properties.