Bioluminescence of Vibrio fischeri in continuous culture: optimal conditions for stability and intensity of photoemission.
Continuous cultivation of the bioluminescent bacterium, Vibrio fischeri NRRL-B-11177, in a fermenter provided a constant supply of bacteria in exponential growth phase. These bacteria may be used as stable bioindicators to measure perturbation of the metabolic state by physical and chemical agents. However, optimization of light emission necessitates careful choice of growth medium and culture operating conditions. Optimized conditions that supported long-term cultivation of V. fischeri NRRL-B-11177 with stable intense bioluminescence were: a dilution rate of 0.08-0.09h(-1), air supply of 600mlmin(-1), stirring of 300-350rpm at a constant incubation temperature within the range of 20 to 26 degrees C and pH7.8. These conditions were as successful in a 500-ml as in a 10-ml fermenter. This system provided a reliable long-term (more than 1 month) continuous culture facility for the reproducible measurement of perturbation of V. fischeri by monitoring changes in luminescence.
Scheerer
Stefanie
S
Cardiff University, Cardiff School of Biosciences, PO Box 915, Cardiff CF10 3TL, UK. stefscheerer@yahoo.de
Gomez
Francisco
F
Lloyd
David
D
D048908:Aliivibrio fischeri / Q000737:chemistry / Q000254:growth & development*; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D003470:Culture Media; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000494:pharmacology; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007700:Kinetics; D049449:Luminescence; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence; D013696:Temperature
D003470:Culture Media; D004202:Disinfectants