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Pair-dependent co-aggregation behavior of non-flocculating sludge bacteria

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Abstract

Two strains of non-flocculating sewage sludge bacteria (Xanthomonassp. S53 and Microbacterium esteraromaticum S51) showed 91% and 77% co-aggregation, respectively, with Acinetobacter johnsonii S35 using a spectrophometric assay. The co-aggregates in case of Xanthomonas sp. S53 and A. johnsonii S35 were above 100 μm and stable against EDTA (2 mM) and a commercial protease (0.2 mg ml−1). Protease/periodate pretreatment of the partners did not affect this co-aggregation. On the other hand, co-aggregates of M. esteraromaticum S51 and A. johnsonii S35 (50–70 μm) were deflocculated by EDTA or protease. Protease pretreatment of M. esteraromaticum S51 and periodate pretreatment of A. johnsonii S35 prevented their co-aggregation with respective untreated partners. The potential co-aggregation mechanisms of A. johnsonii S35 varied depending upon the other partner involved.

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Correspondence to Kazuo Kakii.

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Malik, A., Kakii, K. Pair-dependent co-aggregation behavior of non-flocculating sludge bacteria. Biotechnology Letters 25, 981–986 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024009511113

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024009511113

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