Monitoring of Cell Growth, Oxygen and pH in Microfermentors

We present a batch microfermentor with a working volume of 5 μl, with integrated sensors for the measurement of dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH. Growth of Escherichia coli cells is demonstrated in the batch microfermentors. The biomass is determined using measurements of optical density (OD). Growth behavior as well as the curves of DO and pH are comparable to results obtained from conventional 500 ml batch fermentors.