Immobilization of Acetobacter aceti by adhesion

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Abstract
The attachment of three strains of Acetobacter aceti (ATCC 23747, ATCC 23748, NCIB 8246), with or without capsule, cultured under different conditions has been investigated in solutions of controlled pH. Various materials (silicates, organic polymers) have been used as supports, and the results have been related to the surface properties of the cells and supports. Cells that do not have a capsule do not adhere to the tested materials, whatever their hydrophobicity, unless the latter are previously treated by ferric ions to make their surface less negative. Cells that possess a capsule adhere to non-treated supports. In all cases the highest density of the adhering cellular film is obtained when the electrostatic repulsions between a cell and the support and between cells are reduced (surface charge of the support less negative, lower pH). The capsule influences adhesion by affecting the interplay between electrostatic interactions and hydrophobic bonding; moreover, capsule polymers may favor adhesion by acting as binding agent. The occurrence of cell flocculation gives rise to greater heterogeneity and lower cell density in the film of adhering cells.