Immobilization of the surfactant-degrading bacterium Pseudomonas C12B in polyacrylamide gel beads: I. Effect of immobilization on the primary and ultimate biodegradation of SDS, and redistribution of bacteria within beads during use.
The surfactant-degrading bacterium Pseudomonas C12B was immobilized in polyacrylamide gel beads. Conditions were established for minimizing the apparent loss of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-degrading activity accompanying polymerization, while still retaining durable gel beads. Apparent losses in SDS-degrading activity compared with free untreated bacteria were attributed largely to substrate diffusion limitations imposed by the gel matrix. Changes in the rate and extent of conversion of radiolabel from [1-14C]SDS to 14CO2 were attributed to diffusional restrictions on O2 availability within the gel beads. Scanning electron microscopy was used to show that beads (3 mm3) repeatedly exposed to SDS for 35 days contained a high cell density in a sub-surface layer 0.4-0.7 mm deep, with relatively few bacteria either at greater depth or at the bead surface.
Department of Biochemistry, University of Wales, College of Cardiff, UK.
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White
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Thomas
D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D005782:Gels; D008863:Microspheres; D011549:Pseudomonas / Q000378:metabolism*; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / Q000378:metabolism*; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid
D005782:Gels; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate