title: Two-dimensional fluorometry coupled with artificial neural networks: a novel method for on-line monitoring of complex biological processes.
abstract: The use of two-dimensional scanning fluorometry as an on-line, noninvasive, in situ bioreactor monitoring technique is extended to complex bioprocesses using mixed cultures, with particular attention to biofilm systems. Using the example of spectra subtraction, it is demonstrated that established methods for fluorescence data analysis have a limited capability of utilizing overall fluorometric information. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are introduced as a novel nonlinear and nonmechanistic technique for interpreting the highly complex fluorescence maps. It is shown that ANNs are able to infer process performance parameters in a pattern recognition approach, based on the entire fluorescence "fingerprint" of the biological system. The studies were carried out using an extractive membrane bioreactor (EMB) for the degradation of chlorinated organic compounds, operating with mixed cultures. Model pollutants em- ployed were 1,2-dichloroethane, 3-chloro-4-methylaniline, and p-toluidine.
authors.affiliation: Chemistry Department/CQFB, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2825-114 Caparica, Portugal.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wolf
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Almeida
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pinheiro
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Correia
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Reis
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Crespo
mesh_terms: D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D018441:Biofilms; D019149:Bioreactors; D005025:Ethylene Dichlorides / Q000378:metabolism; D005453:Fluorescence; D005470:Fluorometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014050:Toluene / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000378:metabolism; D014052:Toluidines / Q000378:metabolism; D014462:Ultrafiltration / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D005025:Ethylene Dichlorides; D014052:Toluidines; D014873:Water Pollutants; C024607:3-chloro-4-methylaniline; D014050:Toluene; C024565:ethylene dichloride; C029370:4-toluidine