Penicillin Mass Production

About

Penicillin's mass production began during World War II, transforming medicine by providing a life-saving antibiotic. Initially discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, it wasn't until the 1940s that large-scale production became feasible. The U.S. War Production Board coordinated efforts with companies like Merck, Pfizer, and Squibb to develop deep-tank fermentation methods, allowing for large quantities of penicillin to be produced. This technological advancement was crucial for treating soldiers during the war. The use of corn steep liquor as a nutrient source and the discovery of a more productive mold strain on a cantaloupe in Peoria significantly increased yields. By 1945, production reached over 646 billion units annually. Penicillin's impact marked the beginning of the antibiotic era, revolutionizing the treatment of bacterial infections and saving countless lives worldwide.