Abstract
The aim of the present research program was to construct an optimum fermentation system and to characterize the properties of cathepsin B inhibitor from Streptomyces chromofuscus SMF28. Glucose and casitone were proved to be good carbon source and nitrogen source, respectively. The production of inhibitor was high at lower concentration than 10 mM of inorganic phosphate. The optimum temperature and pH for the production of inhibitor were 30$\circ$C and pH 7, respectively. The production of inhibitor was related to mycelial growth and was affected by medium composition. The inhibitor in culture filtrate of S. chromofuscus SMF28 was purified by butanol extraction, silica gel chromatography, Amberlite IRC-50 (H$^{+}$ form) chromatography, preparative TLC, and preparative HPLC. From amino acid analysis and UV, IR, $^{1}$H-NMR spectroscopic analysis, the inhibitor was identified as a peptide containing valine and phenylalanine derivative.