Integrated microbioreactor for culture and analysis of bacteria, algae and yeast.
Summary of "Integrated microbioreactor for culture and analysis of bacteria, algae and yeast."
We introduce a micro-scale bioreactor for automated culture and density analysis of microorganisms. The microbioreactor is powered by digital microfluidics (DMF) and because it is used with bacteria, algae and yeast, we call it the BAY microbioreactor. Previous miniaturized bioreactors have relied on microchannels which often require valves, mixers and complex optical systems. In contrast, the BAY microbioreactor is capable of culturing microorganisms in distinct droplets on a format compatible with conventional bench-top analyzers without the use of valves, mixers or pumps. Bacteria, algae and yeast were grown for up to 5 days with automated semi-continuous mixing and temperature control. Cell densities were determined by measuring absorbances through transparent regions of the devices, and growth profiles were shown to be comparable to those generated in conventional, macro-scale systems. Cell growth and density measurements were integrated in the microbioreactor with a fluorescent viability assay and transformation of bacteria with a fluorescent reporter gene. These results suggest that DMF may be a useful new tool in automated culture and analysis of microorganisms for a wide range of applications.
Affiliation
Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada.
Journal Details
This article was published in the following journal.
Name: Biomedical microdevices
ISSN: 1572-8781
Pages:
Links
- PubMed Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20838902
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10544-010-9469-3
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Tissue Array Analysis
The simultaneous analysis of multiple samples of TISSUES or CELLS from BIOPSY or in vitro culture that have been arranged in an array format on slides or microchips.
Algae, Golden-brown
Microscopic fresh water algae in the family Chrysophyceae. They share many features with the BROWN ALGAE but are planktonic rather than benthic. Though most are photosynthetic, they are not considered truly autotrophic since they can become facultatively heterotrophic in the absence of adequate light. In this state they can feed on BACTERIA or DIATOMS.
Algae, Red
Algae of the division Rhodophyta, in which the red pigment (PHYCOERYTHRIN) predominates. However if this pigment is destroyed, the algae can appear purple, brown, green, or yellow. Two important substances found in the cell walls of red algae are AGAR and CARRAGEENAN. Red algae are thought to be closely related to the prokaryotic CYANOBACTERIA.
Conjugation, Genetic
A parasexual process in BACTERIA; ALGAE; FUNGI; and ciliate EUKARYOTA for achieving exchange of chromosome material during fusion of two cells. In bacteria, this is a uni-directional transfer of genetic material; in protozoa it is a bi-directional exchange. In algae and fungi, it is a form of sexual reproduction, with the union of male and female gametes.
Killer Factors, Yeast
Protein factors released from one species of YEAST that are selectively toxic to another species of yeast.
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