A new support for whole cell immobilization

A new support for whole-cell immobilization based on crosslinked pectate with iminodiacetate as polydentate spacer and iron is proposed. Microorganisms of the strains Escherichia coli, Staphiloccoccus aureus, Saccharomyces cereviseae, and Candida tropicalis have been immobilized on this matrix. Immobilization capacity of the support, conditions of adsorption, and differences in respiration between free and fixed cells have been evaluated. Using scanning electron microcopy, electron micrographs of the support and of cells fixed on the support were prepared in order to examine fixation in detail. It was found that it is possible to immobilize an important active biomass, with a very strong binding strength, between cells and support, without the inherent diffusional limitations encountered in other methods. Respiration measurements showed increased oxygen demand by immobilized cells.