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High-density cultivation of sporeformers
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|May 2, 1994
Summary
Bacillus thuringiensis cultivation to high cell densities did not proportionally increase insecticidal crystal protein. Energy reserves like poly-beta-hydroxybutyric acid are linked to spore and protein formation during sporulation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Biochemical Engineering
Background:
- Spore-forming bacteria are key producers of industrial biological products like enzymes, antibiotics, and bioinsecticides.
- High cell density cultivation in bioreactors can enhance product formation rates and concentrations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate fed-batch cultivation of Bacillus thuringiensis for high cell density.
- To understand the relationship between cell density, spore formation, and insecticidal crystal protein production.
Main Methods:
- Fed-batch cultivation of Bacillus thuringiensis with controlled aeration and nutrient supply.
- Monitoring cell density (dry weight), spore formation, and insecticidal crystal protein concentration.
- Analysis of energy reserve material, poly-beta-hydroxybutyric acid.
Main Results:
- Achieved high cell densities exceeding 50 g DW/l.
- High cell density did not proportionally increase insecticidal crystal protein yield.
- Poly-beta-hydroxybutyric acid levels correlated with spore and crystal protein formation during sporulation.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing aeration and nutrient supply enables high cell density cultivation of Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Cellular energy metabolism, particularly poly-beta-hydroxybutyric acid, plays a crucial role in balancing spore and insecticidal protein production during sporulation.