Microcomputers to control the pH of growing micro-organisms.
Negative feedback control can usefully be used in biochemistry for a variety of purposes. Two examples are presented which utilize microcomputers to generate the transfer function of the feedback loop. The first demonstrates the control of NADH concentration during an enzymic reaction, and the second shows that if the pH is held constant whilst growing E. coli the yield can be increased. In both these cases it is convenient, even essential, to use a computer because computers are both very stable over the long term and the feedback transfer function can be accurately and quickly specified.
D002455:Cell Division; D003201:Computers; D003625:Data Collection; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000254:growth & development; D005246:Feedback; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008828:Microbiological Techniques; D008838:Microcomputers