Microscale biosensor for measurement of volatile fatty acids in anoxic environments.

ABSTRACT: A microscale biosensor for acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, and lactate is described. The sensor is based on the bacterial respiration of low-molecular-weight, negatively charged species with a concomitant reduction of NO(-)(3) to N(2)O. A culture of denitrifying bacteria deficient in N(2)O reductase was immobilized in front of the tip of an electrochemical N(2)O microsensor. The bacteria were separated from the outside environment by an ion-permeable membrane and supplied with nutrients (except for electron donors) from a medium reservoir behind the N(2)O sensor. The signal of the sensor, which corresponded to the rate of N(2)O production, was proportional to the supply of the electron donor to the bacterial mass. The selectivity for volatile fatty acids compared to other organic compoun

SUBMITTER: Meyer RL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC123769 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature