Microbial surface thermodynamics and applications

Keith A Strevett1, Gang Chen

  • 1Bioenvironmental Engineering and Environmental Science Laboratory, School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA. strevett@ou.edu

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Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Temperature

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Surface Tension

Surface tension is defined as the force per unit length (γ) acting along the surface of a liquid. It arises due to strong intermolecular forces of attraction. A molecule located inside the bulk of the liquid is surrounded by other molecules and experiences equal forces in all directions. However, a molecule at the surface experiences unbalanced forces because there are more neighboring molecules below than above. This creates a net inward force that pulls surface molecules toward the interior,...
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Microbial Biosensors

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Key Techniques in Microbiology

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Hyperthermophilic Bacteria

Domain Bacteria includes some unique hyperthermophilic species. They exhibit remarkable adaptations that enable survival in extreme environments.Thermotoga species are rod-shaped, gram-negative, non-sporulating hyperthermophiles that form a sheath-like envelope called a toga. They ferment sugars or starch, producing lactate, acetate, CO₂, and H₂, and can also grow via anaerobic respiration using H₂ and ferric iron. Found in hot springs and hydrothermal vents, over 20% of their genes show strong...