Analysis of fermentation processes using flow microfluorometry: Amylase and protease activities in Bacillis subtilis batch cultures

Abstract

AbstractFlow microfluorometry, which provides detailed information on the state of a microbial population, has been employed to characterize the Bacillus subtilis population during time intervals in which significant changes in the culture amylase activity occur. Four different batch experiments have been conducted, and the influences of inoculum age, fermentation temperature, and aeration rate on microbial population dynamics and amylase activity have been examined. Relatively high rates of amylase activity increase are observed twice during the batch, first as double cells initiate sporulation and later during germination. Rapid decreases in amylase activity are observed in highly (25–50%) sporulated populations, and in at least one experiment, during a transition from large, rounded protoplast forms to normal rod morphology. Amylase and protease activities do not follow parallel nor proportional trajectories in these 72 hr batch fermentations.