Use of bioluminometry for determination of active yeast biomass immobilized in ionotropic hydrogels

The technique of bioluminometry was used to determine the biomass concentra tion of yeast cells immobilized in ionotropic hydrogel beads, including alg inate, pectate, and kappa-carrageenan. The method uses determination of ATP extracted from viable cells, the concentration of which is then expressed as the active biomass concentration. Seven yeast strains divided into three categories (brewing, wine-making, and ethanol-producing yeasts) were teste d, and different biomass concentrations were determined in all three immobi lization materials. The described method is characterized by a good correla tion (up to 99%) to classical dry biomass determination. The method is quic ker, easier, and not so laborious, providing sufficient determination accur acy, and can be used for a rapid estimation of viable biomass in most biote chnological processes using immobilized living cells. (C) 2000 Academic Pre ss.