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Immobilization of bacteria and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in poly(tetrafluoroethylene) membranes
F W Hyde1, G R Hunt, L A Errede
1Corporate Research Laboratories, St. Paul, Minnesota 55144-1000.
Abstract:
A novel method for immobilization of bacteria and Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells is described. Microorganisms may be entrapped in a matrix of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) fibrils. Cells are blended with an aqueous emulsion of PTFE stabilized with Triton X-100 surfactant to form a thick paste. The paste is calendered biaxially in a standard rubber mill. This process causes fibrillation of the PTFE and formation of the fibril matrix, which serves only to impart physical integrity to the composite microporous membrane. The cells trapped in the membrane were shown to be viable by incubation of the membrane on solid media and in broth culture. This bioactive membrane represents a new means of immobilization of cells for bioprocessing.
Insights
A new method immobilizes bacteria and Saccharomyces cerevisiae using poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) fibrils. This bioactive membrane offers a novel approach for cell immobilization in bioprocessing applications.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Cell immobilization is crucial for various bioprocessing applications.
- Existing methods may have limitations in terms of cell viability and stability.
- Developing novel, robust immobilization techniques is an ongoing area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel method for immobilizing microbial cells, specifically bacteria and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- To investigate the viability of cells immobilized using the described technique.
- To present a new bioactive membrane for cell immobilization in bioprocessing.
Main Methods:
- Microbial cells (bacteria and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) were blended with an aqueous emulsion of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE).
- The mixture was processed to form a thick paste, which was then calendered biaxially.
- This process created a microporous PTFE fibril matrix, entrapping the cells and providing physical integrity.
Main Results:
- The poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) fibrillation process successfully formed a matrix that entrapped the microbial cells.
- Cells immobilized within the PTFE matrix were confirmed to be viable through incubation on solid media and in broth culture.
- The resulting composite material functions as a bioactive membrane.
Conclusions:
- A novel and effective method for immobilizing bacteria and Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been developed using poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) fibrils.
- The developed bioactive membrane ensures cell viability and offers a new platform for bioprocessing.
- This technique provides a stable and physically integral matrix for cell immobilization.