Production of superoxide dismutase by marine cyanobacteria

We examined 67 isolates of marine microalgae for their ability to produce superoxide dismutase. Of these, cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. NKBG 042902 produced the highest levels of SOD activity (136 units/g dry cells). Optimum conditions for SOD production by Synechococcus sp. NKBG 042902 were investigated. Addition of Fe²⁺ or Mn²⁺ increased the SOD activity by about 3.4-and 3.6-fold, respectively. SOD production also increased when cells were grown at increased oxygen concentrations or at high light intensities. Cells of Synechococcus sp. NKBG 042902 were grown in the presence of Fe²⁺ or Mn²⁺ ions and at high light intensities and oxygen concentrations to increase SOD activity. © Springer-Verlag New York Inc. 1996.