Bacillus subtilis cells immobilised in PVA-cryogels

Bacillus subtilis viable cells were immobilised in PVA-cryogel beads using the 'freezing-thawing' method in a two-phase (water-oil) system. Conditions providing both high thermal and mechanical stability and suitable porosity of the carrier were optimised. For monitoring and analysis of changes inside the biocatalyst beads, and for determination of diffusive properties of the carrier, an image analysis was applied. It was revealed that bacterial spores, sodium alginate and bacterial cellulose accelerated hardening of the cryogels and modified their porosity. Proteins (haemoglobin, azoalbumin, azocasein) penetrated beads of the cryogel.