Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
09:27
Immobilization of Multi-biocatalysts in Alginate Beads for Cofactor Regeneration and Improved Reusability
Published on: April 22, 2016
Covalent coupling of microorganisms to a cellulosic support
W B Okita1, D B Bonham, J L Gainer
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Thornton Hall, Charlottesville, Virginia 22901.
Biotechnology and Bioengineering
|May 1, 1985
Summary
Researchers developed a covalent coupling method to immobilize whole microorganisms, like bacteria and yeast, onto cellulose particles. This technique improves nutrient and product transfer compared to entrapment, showing potential for high productivity in biocatalysis.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Microorganism immobilization is crucial for biocatalysis and bioprocessing.
- Traditional entrapment methods can limit mass transfer due to gel matrices.
- Developing efficient cell attachment methods is essential for industrial applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate methods for covalently coupling microorganisms to solid supports.
- To compare the attachment of different microbial types (bacteria and yeast) to cellulose.
- To evaluate the advantages of surface-bound immobilization over entrapment.
Main Methods:
- Covalent coupling of microorganisms (bacteria and yeast) to cellulose particles.
- Utilized cyanuric chloride as the chemical coupling agent.
- Optimized experimental procedures for each microbial type.
Main Results:
- Successful attachment of both bacteria and yeast to cellulose particles via covalent bonding.
- Demonstrated that different procedures are required for bacteria versus yeast immobilization.
- Surface immobilization eliminated mass transfer limitations inherent in gel entrapment.
Conclusions:
- Covalent coupling provides an effective method for whole-cell immobilization on solid supports.
- This surface immobilization technique enhances nutrient and product exchange.
- Immobilized cells exhibit promising high productivities for biotechnological applications.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Microbial Fermentation
Fermentation is a crucial anaerobic metabolic process that enables microbes to derive energy from sugar without relying on oxygen or an electron transport chain. This process is fundamental to various biological and industrial applications and is classified based on the metabolic products generated.Role of Pyruvate in FermentationPyruvate and its derivatives serve as key electron acceptors in fermentative pathways. The oxidation of NADH to regenerate NAD+ is essential for the continuation of...
01:26Microbial Interactions: Cooperation
Microbial cooperation involves beneficial interactions in which different species work together for individual or mutual advantage. These interactions can profoundly influence ecological dynamics and evolutionary processes, and they are essential to many pathogenic and symbiotic relationships.Nematode–Bacteria CooperationA striking example is the relationship between the Gram-negative bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophila and the parasitic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae. Juvenile nematodes...
01:25Microbial Interactions: Mutualism
Mutualism is a symbiotic interaction in which all participating organisms benefit. These relationships can be obligate or facultative and are fundamental to ecosystem functions across diverse biological systems.Plant–Fungi MutualismOne well-known example is the association between plant roots and mycorrhizal fungi, such as Rhizophagus species. The fungal hyphae penetrate the root hairs and the epidermis, forming an extensive hyphal network that establishes a symbiotic association. Through this...
01:23Microbial Fuel Cells
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are bioelectrochemical devices that generate electricity by exploiting the metabolic processes of electrogenic bacteria. These systems provide a renewable energy source and serve as an innovative method for treating organic waste, such as wastewater.A typical MFC consists of two chambers: an anoxic (oxygen-free) compartment that houses the bacteria and an oxic (oxygen-rich) compartment that contains oxygen as the terminal electron acceptor. Many MFCs use proton...
01:15Cellulose and Pectic Polysaccharides
Every plant cell has a cell wall that protects the cell, provides structural support, and gives the cell shape. Cellulose, the main structural component of the plant cell wall, makes up over 30% of plant matter. It is the most abundant organic compound on earth. Cellulose is an unbranched polysaccharide composed of linear chains of glucose molecules linked by β (1→4) glycosidic bonds.
As a cell matures, its cell wall specializes according to its type. For example, the parenchyma cells of...
As a cell matures, its cell wall specializes according to its type. For example, the parenchyma cells of...
01:27Microbial Leaching
Microbial leaching, also known as bioleaching, is an environmentally favorable method for extracting metals from low-grade ores using specific microorganisms. This biotechnological approach is particularly valuable for mining operations targeting copper, gold, and uranium, where traditional extraction methods may be economically or environmentally impractical.Copper Leaching and Microbial CatalysisIn copper bioleaching, crushed ore is arranged into heaps and irrigated with a dilute sulfuric...