Growth rate and some physiological features of Deleya halophila CCM 3662 at different salt concentrations

The growth rate of the type strain of the new, moderately halophilic species Deleya halophila (Deleya halophila CCM 3662) at different salt concentrations was determined and its optimal marine salt concentration for growth was established. Oxygen uptake and some cellular chemical composition characteristics of cells grown at their optimal salt concentration (7.5% w/v) and at a higher concentration (15% w/v) were compared, showing that both protein and carbohydrate intracellular contents decreased when the external medium salt concentration was increased, with the carbohydrate content reaching 50% of the value presented by cells cultured at optimal salinity conditions. Oxygen uptake and poly-beta-hydroxybutyric acid content were not significantly affected by changes in external salinity.