Dependence of flocculation on aggregate formation and buoyant density in Flavobacterium sp.

The protease-sensitive self-flocculation of Flavobacterium sp. strain 304 was studied by analysing genetically or biochemically obtained flocculation-deficient cells. The flocculation of this species was dependent on three separable characteristics: (a) a sufficiently high buoyant density, (b) the capability for initial aggregate formation and (c) aggregate stabilization.