Image analysis of the morphology of filamentous micro-organisms.

Abstract

Overview Image analysis is a powerful tool for characterizing the gross and internal morphology of filamentous microorganisms. Methods are available for characterizing both dispersed and pelleted growth forms, and for identifying apices, vacuoles and degenerated regions of hyphae. The technique has also been applied to the morphological characterization of dimorphic yeasts. Such methods can be used to study the complex interactions between morphology, productivity and process conditions in submerged fermentations of filamentous micro-organisms, including the effects of changes in inocula, and to study the growth of such organisms on solid surfaces. Amongst other applications, image analysis has been used to relate fermentation broth rheology to morphology, to study mycelial fragmentation by impellers, and to investigate structural and biochemical differentiation of hyphae both on solid surfaces and in submerged fermentations. This review describes these image analysis methods and their actual and potential applications in the study of filamentous micro-organisms.