Viability study of biofilm-former strains from paper industry by flow cytometry with application to kinetic models

Abstract

Biofouling causes important economic losses in the paper industry. To prevent or mitigate the effects of biofilms is necessary to implement microbiological control programmes based on monitoring programs which requires the evaluation of the biofilm growth kinetic taking into account the ability of microorganisms viability. The monitoring techniques must be rapid to minimise both costs and use of chemicals. This paper presents the study of the growth kinetics of two bacterial strains known for their high capacity to produce biofilms in paper mills. After the validation of flow cytometry as a technique for microbial growth monitoring, the development of segregated kinetic models based on cell physiological states data was carried out. The developed models can be used to design microbial control programs.