Abstract:[Objective] To assess the effect of cellular activity on ε-poly-l-lysine (ε-PL) biosynthesis and thereby to rationally improve the production,we studied the cellular activity,ε-PL formation and other parameters cross flask fermentation by Streptomyces ahygroscopicus. [Methods]Laser scanning confocal microscopy and a colorimetric method were used to determine cellular activity using BacLight Live /Dead and 5-cyano-2,3-ditolyl tetrazolium chloride (CTC) as viable stains. To enhance the activity of the cells in the ε-PL production period,yeast extract was added.[Results]During ε-PL submerged fermentation in flasks,most cells were active in the growth period (0-16 h); cells had metabolic activity in the growth and earlier ε-PL production periods between 0 and 30 h fermentation.Almost no activity was detected after 48 h fermentation when no ε-PL was produced. The improved fermentation achieved 2.24 g/L ε-PL from 1.04 g/L.[Conclusion]Biosynthesis of ε-PL can be boosted by up-regulating cell activity in its production phase.