In situ determination of kinetic parameters for biofilms: Isolation and characterization of oligotrophic biofilms

Bruce E. Rittmann, Lou Ann Crawford, Cynthia K. Tuck, Eun Namkung

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

65 Scopus citations

Abstract

This article develops and utilizes an in situ technique to estimate the Monod half‐maximum rate concentration, Ks and the maximum specific utilization rate constant, k, for biofilms. The technique employs a curve‐matching method with kinetic results from several short‐term experiments with completely mixed biofilm reactors. Use of the in situ method eliminates the two drawbacks of using conventional suspended‐growth measurements to characterize biofilm: possible alteration of cell physiology and a major investment to run the suspended‐growth tests. Results with five cultures of biofilm‐forming oligotrophs demonstrated the in situ technique and supported the hypothesis that Ks values were lower for the biofilm oligotrophs than for typical copiotrophs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1753-1760
Number of pages8
JournalBiotechnology and bioengineering
Volume28
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1986
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Bioengineering
  • Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

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