ISSN:
0006-3592
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
Notes:
Water activity of the substrate is an important and acute factor for growth as well as for metabolic production of microorganisms or for biocatalyst systems. A sensor has been designed in order to control this parameter on-line during submerged and solid-substrate fermentations. This sterilizable sensor allows the measurement of the relative humidity of the atmosphere in a small chamber by means of a capacitive element separated from the medium by a thin ethylenepolytetrafluoride membrane. For high aw values (〉0.90) a sequential circulation of a dried gas prevents the sensor saturation. Measurements are rapid and accurate, and control of the water activity of a fermentation medium has been carried out for 5 days using this sensor.
Additional Material:
6 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bit.260330304