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Construction of biofilms with defined internal architecture using dielectrophoresis and flocculation
Author(s) -
VerduzcoLuque Cynthia E.,
Alp Burçak,
Stephens Gillian M.,
Markx Gerard H.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
biotechnology and bioengineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 189
eISSN - 1097-0290
pISSN - 0006-3592
DOI - 10.1002/bit.10646
Subject(s) - biofilm , flocculation , micrococcus luteus , dielectrophoresis , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , bacteria , chemical engineering , electrode , biology , biochemistry , escherichia coli , organic chemistry , genetics , gene , engineering
A novel approach was developed for the construction of biofilms with defined internal architecture using AC electrokinetics and flocculation. Artificial structured microbial consortia (ASMC) consisting of localized layered microcolonies of different cell types were formed by sequentially attracting different cell types to high field regions near microelectrodes using dielectrophoresis. Stabilization of the microbial consortia on the electrode surface was achieved by crosslinking the cells using the flocculant polyethyleneimine (PEI). Consortia of Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were made as model systems. Also, more natural consortia were made of the bacteria Pseudomonas putida, Clavibacter michiganense, and Methylobacterium mesophilum, which are found together in consortia during biodegradation of metal‐cutting waste fluids. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 83: 39–44, 2003.