Bioreactor mixing efficiency modulates the activity of a prpoS::GFP reporter gene in E. coli
2009
Impact of Bioreactor Mixing on E. coli Stress Response
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Frank Delvigne, Mathieu Boxus, Sophie Ingels, Philippe Thonart
Primary Institution: Fond de la recherche scientifique (FRNS-FRS)
Hypothesis
The efficiency of bioreactor mixing affects the expression of the rpoS gene in E. coli.
Conclusion
Poor mixing conditions in bioreactors lead to a drop in rpoS expression due to segregation among the microbial population.
Supporting Evidence
- The rpoS gene is a master regulator of the stress response in E. coli.
- Segregation of rpoS expression levels was observed in partitioned reactors.
- Mixing efficiency directly correlates with the intensity of rpoS expression segregation.
- Extracellular perturbations affect the physiological state of microbial populations.
Takeaway
When bacteria grow in a poorly mixed environment, some of them stop responding to stress, which can be bad for their survival.
Methodology
E. coli was cultivated in various bioreactor configurations to monitor rpoS expression using a GFP reporter system.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on the rpoS gene and may not account for other stress response mechanisms.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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