Cell growth experiments using a microcalorimetric vessel equipped with oxygen and pH electrodes

A method is described for simultaneous measurements of heat production rate, oxygen activity and pH, using a 3-ml stirred microcalorimetric titration/perfusion vessel fitted with a polarographic oxygen sensor and a combination pH-electrode. Heat production rate (+/- 0.3 microW), pH (+/- 0.01) and oxygen concentration (+/- 4 mumol/l) could be measured without any cross interference between the three signals. Results from measurements on suspensions of T-lymphoma cells and E. coli are presented.