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The Microaerophile SPirillum volutans: Cultivation on Complex Liquid and Solid Media
P J Padgett1, W H Cover, N R Krieg
1Department of Biology (Microbiology Section), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|February 1, 1982
Summary
Spirillum volutans requires microaerobic conditions due to extreme sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide. Aerobic growth is achieved by adding catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) to neutralize harmful reactive oxygen species.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Environmental Microbiology
Background:
- Spirillum volutans exhibits microaerophilic growth characteristics.
- Standard growth media limit aerobic cultivation of S. volutans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors limiting aerobic growth of Spirillum volutans.
- To identify strategies for enabling aerobic cultivation of S. volutans.
Main Methods:
- Cultivating S. volutans under various aerobic and microaerobic conditions.
- Supplementing media with antioxidants like catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD).
- Assessing growth responses to different media compositions and environmental factors.
Main Results:
- S. volutans possesses superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity but lacks catalase.
- The organism is highly sensitive to exogenous hydrogen peroxide, which is generated by light.
- Aerobic growth was achieved by supplementing media with catalase, SOD, or bisulfite, and by protecting cultures from light.
Conclusions:
- The microaerophilic nature of S. volutans is primarily due to its sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide.
- Antioxidants and controlled environmental conditions can overcome oxygen toxicity, enabling aerobic growth.