ISSN:
1432-0614
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
Notes:
Summary The nonsporulating extreme thermophile Thermus thermophilus was grown in continuous culture at dilution rates up to 2.65 h−1 at 75°C and pH 6.9 on complex medium. Concomitantly very low yield (Y=0.12 g cell dry weight g−1 utilized organic carbon) and incomplete substrate utilization (always less than 45%) were found. In batch cultures T. thermophilus could be grown with μ max =h−1, in shake flasks only with μ max =h−1 with the same low yield and incomplete substrate utilization. Stable steady states at 84δC and 45°C were realized at a dilution rate of 0.3 h−1 whereas at 86°C and 40°C no growth could be detected. Artefacts arising from wall growth (in bioreactors) or improper materials must be ruled out. Inhibition of growth by organic substrates was demonstrated at low concentrations: a decrease in the yield obtained was found when more than 0.7 gl−1 of meat extract were supplied in the medium. The maintenance requirement for oxygen is potentially very high and was determined to be 10 to 15 mmol g−1 h−1.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00499510
