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Review
. 2016 Jul 22;21(7):958.
doi: 10.3390/molecules21070958.

Metabolic Responses of Bacterial Cells to Immobilization

Joanna Żur  1 , Danuta Wojcieszyńska  2 , Urszula Guzik  3
Affiliations
Review

Metabolic Responses of Bacterial Cells to Immobilization

Joanna Żur et al. Molecules. .

Abstract

In recent years immobilized cells have commonly been used for various biotechnological applications, e.g., antibiotic production, soil bioremediation, biodegradation and biotransformation of xenobiotics in wastewater treatment plants. Although the literature data on the physiological changes and behaviour of cells in the immobilized state remain fragmentary, it is well documented that in natural settings microorganisms are mainly found in association with surfaces, which results in biofilm formation. Biofilms are characterized by genetic and physiological heterogeneity and the occurrence of altered microenvironments within the matrix. Microbial cells in communities display a variety of metabolic differences as compared to their free-living counterparts. Immobilization of bacteria can occur either as a natural phenomenon or as an artificial process. The majority of changes observed in immobilized cells result from protection provided by the supports. Knowledge about the main physiological responses occurring in immobilized cells may contribute to improving the efficiency of immobilization techniques. This paper reviews the main metabolic changes exhibited by immobilized bacterial cells, including growth rate, biodegradation capabilities, biocatalytic efficiency and plasmid stability.

Keywords: biofilm; immobilization; immobilized cells; metabolic response.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Substrate and oxygenic heterogeneity of biofilm [1,6,16,22,23].
Figure 2
Figure 2
Physiological and structural heterogeneity of biofilm [1,6,22].
Figure 3
Figure 3
Schematic diffusion in gel beads [10,69].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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