Method for separating dead cells from a liquid microbial culture, without interfering with the working of the reactor, utilizes a specific cut-off in physiological characteristic between live and dead microorganisms

摘要

A pipe insert continuously isolates off a portion of the main flow of a liquid culture, passing it through a device for measuring a physiological characteristic chosen to distinguish between live and dead cells. The device also provides a mechanism for diverting away the dead microorganisms. A pipe insert continuously isolates off a portion of the main flow of a liquid culture, passing it through a device for measuring a physiological characteristic chosen to distinguish between live and dead cells. The device also provides a mechanism for diverting away the dead microorganisms. The measurement upon which the separation between productive and unproductive cells is determined can include e.g. size, shape, electrical or magnetic property, temperature or propensity to bind a surface marker. The cut-off point for making the selection can be fine-tuned to readily preserve the culture in a desired condition.