Vegetable sponge as a matrix to immobilize micro-organisms: a trial study for hyphal fungi, yeast and bacteria.

The vegetable sponge of Luffa cylindrica was studied as a matrix for the immobilization of hyphal fungi, yeast and bacteria. All were observed to be entrapped within the sponge. When the various immobilized systems were subcultured in their respective fresh nutrient media, the hyphal fungi showed an increase in biomass with no cellular release and secondary colony formation. The immobilized yeast and bacteria released cells into the medium. Advantages of the reticulated biostructure as an immobilization matrix are discussed.