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[1] Techniques for the enrichment, isolation, and maintenance of the photosynthetic bacteria

1971; Academic Press; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/s0076-6879(71)23077-9

1557-7988

C. B. van Niel,

Algal biology and biofuel production

This chapter discusses the techniques for the enrichment, isolation, and maintenance of photosynthetic bacteria. The photosynthetic bacteria are characterized by their ability to grow in the absence of air when exposed to light. Unlike the algae and higher plants, they do not produce oxygen and require an external supply of an oxidizable substrate whose nature varies with the species. The chapter presents the early enrichment culture methods that include Winogradsky columns, and Molisch columns. The outcome of a Winogradsky or Molisch column depends on the gradual modification of the primary environment through the activities of numerous kinds of microorganisms, and they are largely uncontrollable. Consequently, this also applies to the kinds of photosynthetic bacteria that eventually make their appearance. The improved enrichment culture methods for photosynthetic bacteria, based upon the use of chemically defined media, make it possible to obtain cultures in which one particular species predominates. Its isolation in pure culture can be accomplished in various ways, such as dilution cultures, shake cultures, and plate cultures.