Was Penicillin Made from Mold?

Penicillium mold naturally produces the antibiotic penicillin. 2. Scientists learned to grow Penicillium mold in deep fermentation tanks by adding a kind of sugar and other ingredients. This process increased the growth of Penicillium.

How was penicillin created?

Alexander Fleming was a Scottish physician-scientist who was recognised for discovering penicillin.

Is penicillin still made from mold?

Today penicillin is synthesized in a lab using penicillium mold, which naturally produces penicillin. The mold is grown with sugars and other ingredients through deep-tank fermentation until the penicillin is able to be separated from the mold.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.