Bacillus subtilis immobilization in alginate microfluidic-based microparticles aiming to improve lipase productivity

Author(s)

Oliveira, Aline F. ^[1] ; Bastos, Reinaldo G. ^[2] ; de la Torre, Lucimara G. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Sch Chem Engn, Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Ctr Agr Sci, Araras, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Biochemical Engineering Journal; v. 143, p. 110-120, MAR 15 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Biocatalyst immobilization is an important strategy to improve bioprocess productivity. However, conventional immobilization techniques produce non-uniform particles of millimetric size that may affect the cellular response by limiting nutrient transport into the particles. Droplet-based microfluidics can be an alternative to generate homogeneous and micrometric particles resulting in a reduced nutrient diffusion path when compared to conventional immobilization processes. Although the immobilization process by microfluidics has several applications in biological studies, this technology has been hardly employed in industrial bioprocesses. In this work, we present microfluidics as a potential tool for bacteria immobilization and their use in bioprocess. We studied the immobilization of Bacillus subtilis in alginate microparticles and evaluated their application in batch cultivations to increase the productivity of lipase, an enzyme of commercial interest. Since this is a proof of concept study, we used the free cell cultivation as reference. In comparison with free cell cultivation, the batch cultivation with immobilized cells by the microfluidic technique presented almost 3 times higher lipase production as a result of the high cell concentration. Therefore, the application of a droplet-based microfluidic technique for cell immobilization in alginate microparticles is an alternative to increase productivity in industrial biotechnology. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/13167-9 - Investigation of bacterial cells behavior in alginate microparticles encapsulated by droplet-based microfluidics technique
• Grantee: Aline Furtado Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 14/26814-7 - Encapsulation of microbial cells in microfluidic system aiming at development of biotechnological processes
• Grantee: Aline Furtado Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 15/26701-0 - MICROFLUIDICS AS TECHNOLOGICAL STRATEGY FOR APPLIED NANO&BIOTECHNOLOGY: (I) CATIONIC LIPOSOMES, CHITOSAN AND AMINOACIDO-BASED NANOPARTICLES FOR GENE THERAPY AND ALTERNATIVE TOOLS FOR BIOPROCESSES INVESTIGATION
• Grantee: Lucimara Gaziola de la Torre
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants