Premium
An X‐ray microtomography‐based method for detailed analysis of the three‐dimensional morphology of fungal pellets
Author(s) -
Schmideder Stefan,
Barthel Lars,
Friedrich Tiaan,
Thalhammer Michaela,
Kovačević Tijana,
Niessen Ludwig,
Meyer Vera,
Briesen Heiko
Publication year - 2019
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.26956
Subject(s) - pellets , penicillium chrysogenum , hypha , x ray microtomography , pellet , aspergillus niger , biological system , morphology (biology) , materials science , biology , botany , microbiology and biotechnology , composite material , medicine , genetics , radiology
Filamentous fungi are widely used in the production of biotechnological compounds. Since their morphology is strongly linked to productivity, it is a key parameter in industrial biotechnology. However, identifying the morphological properties of filamentous fungi is challenging. Owing to a lack of appropriate methods, the detailed three‐dimensional morphology of filamentous pellets remains unexplored. In the present study, we used state‐of‐the‐art X‐ray microtomography (µCT) to develop a new method for detailed characterization of fungal pellets. µCT measurements were performed using freeze‐dried pellets obtained from submerged cultivations. Three‐dimensional images were generated and analyzed to locate and quantify hyphal material, tips, and branches. As a result, morphological properties including hyphal length, tip number, branch number, hyphal growth unit, porosity, and hyphal average diameter were ascertained. To validate the potential of the new method, two fungal pellets were studied—one from Aspergillus niger and the other from Penicillium chrysogenum . We show here that µCT analysis is a promising tool to study the three‐dimensional structure of pellet‐forming filamentous microorganisms in utmost detail. The knowledge gained can be used to understand and thus optimize pellet structures by means of appropriate process or genetic control in biotechnological applications.