POLY(CARBAMOYLSULPHONATE) AS A MATRIX FOR WHOLE-CELL IMMOBILIZATION -BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION

Poly(carbamoylsulphonate) (PCS), a hydrogel matrix of low toxicity for the immobilization of microorganisms was characterized with respect t o physiological properties. The survival rates of immobilized Paracocc us denitrificans in PCS were greater than 99%, the initial division ra te of the bacterium inside the gel was the same as of free suspended c ells and decreases with increasing cell density within the first days. The polymer has good resistance to microbial degradation and excellen t mechanical stability. First results of long term behaviour and kinet ic data of nitrifying bacteria entrapped within PCS gel beads are show n.