GRADOSTAT BIOREACTOR

The concept of gradient microbiology in the study of microbiology is not new as Beijerinck had earlier pioneered the idea in his soil column enrichment studies. However, it was in the early seventies that an eminent microbial physiologist, Professor JWT Wimpenny, from University College Cardiff (now known as University Cardiff, Wales) pioneered and revitalize the concept of “Gradient Microbiology” through the use of a system of bioreactors or fermentors in creating a steady state or dynamic gradient which allows for various types of microorganisms to establish themselves at certain physical, chemical gradients.

In his studies he has pioneered the use of fermentors in creating a dynamic state of microbial equilibrium that can be controlled through the use of gradients established in a linear one way gradient.

The fermentors are linked to one another by tubes through which nutrients and other parameters are controlled by the use of pumps that feed the linear axes either from top to bottom or vice versa.

Each fermentor is just made up of a simple Quickfit culture vessel controlled by a heater stirrer module which is magnetically stirred.

He studied the distribution and growth dynamics of microorganisms using models from simple linear gradient of one parameter to more complex bidirectional gradients on the Gradostat bioreactor model.

Prof JWT Wimpenny believes that the occurrence and distribution of various types of microorganisms are in a steady state under the influence of the interactions of various parameter gradients. With this simple Gradostat bioreactor system using fermentors, he has managed to put some light on the complex interactions of microorganisms in nature and to establish various models to understand the behaviour of microorganisms