Microorganisms Growth in Gel Volume: Process Dynamics in Limiting Mass Transfer Conditions

Abstract

The work purpose is to find ways to effectively cultivate living microorganisms not near the outer surface, but inside the gel matrix volume by internal channels using, when the delivery of nutrients to the gel volume is carried out by a convective-diffusion mechanism. Immobilized cells development dynamics in gel under limited mass transfer conditions of nutrient across the surface was considered. The penetration depth of the nutrient from surface into the gel volume for providing a stable life of microorganisms has been estimated at 3.0 – 4.0 mm. The forming time-stable linear and branched channels possibility within the gel matrix volume has been experimentally confirmed and it usage for convective nutrient supply to the volume was tested. The qualitative nutrients diffusion regularities from the channels into the gel volume with immobilized cells are described.