Abstract
An experimental reactor system for monitoring the fluorescence of suspended and immobilized cells is described. The growth of S. cerevisiae was monitored during batch fermentations by fluorescence of the culture. Thus, it was possible to use this intracellular parameter to study the influence of immobilization on cells. The fermentations were done under aerobic conditions with suspended and immobilized cells. A comparison of these two systems showed that the rate of ethanol consumption was significantly slower for the cells immobilized in calcium alginate. This reduced rate of oxidative decomposition may be due to mass-transfer limitations of oxygen. Pulse experiments with different substrates (glucose and ethanol) were made to monitor the changes in cell metabolism. The reactor system presented is also suitable as a “toxin guard system”, because substances toxic to cells, such as 2,4-dinitrophenol, cause clearly visible changes in the fluorescence of the immobilized cells.
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