Improved PCR-based method for the direct screening of Streptomyces transformants.

Streptomycetes are attractive microorganisms because of their high secretion capacity and for the production of secondary metabolites. We report the improvement of a PCR-based method for screening of solid media-grown Streptomyces transformants. By resuspending mycelium into 2.5-10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), extensive manipulation prior to PCR could be avoided, thus significantly reducing screening time. Results proved to be both reliable and specific.