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Updated: Jul 4, 2026

A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities

A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities

Published on: December 25, 2015

Biofilm development in laboratory methanogenic fluidized bed reactors.

L G Gorris¹, J M van Deursen, C van der Drift

¹Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Nijmegen, Toernooiveld, NL-6525 ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Biotechnology and Bioengineering

|February 5, 1989

Summary

Biofilm development in fluidized bed reactors is consistent regardless of the initial bacteria. Key phases of biofilm formation were identified using methanogenic activity and biomass content as reliable indicators.

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Area of Science:

Environmental microbiology
Biotechnology
Anaerobic digestion

Background:

Biofilm formation is crucial for microbial processes in engineered systems.
Understanding biofilm development in methanogenic fluidized bed reactors is key for optimizing wastewater treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the influence of heterogeneous inocula on biofilm development in methanogenic fluidized bed reactors.
To characterize the phases of biofilm formation and identify reliable monitoring parameters.

Main Methods:

Laboratory-scale methanogenic fluidized bed reactors were used.
Biofilm development was monitored during reactor start-up and at steady-state.
Bacterial composition was assessed using methanogenic activities and cofactor concentrations, alongside electron microscopy.

Main Results:

Biofilm formation proceeded similarly irrespective of the inoculum type, following distinct lag, production, and steady-state phases.
Methanogenic activity and biomass content accurately reflected biofilm formation.
Indirect parameters provided less unambiguous results.

Conclusions:

The type of inoculum does not significantly alter biofilm development patterns or bacterial composition in these reactors.
Methanogenic activity and biomass are reliable indicators for monitoring biofilm formation.
Electron microscopy and biochemical analyses confirmed the consistency of newly developed biomass composition.