An X‐ray microtomography‐based method for detailed analysis of the three‐dimensional morphology of fungal pellets. Issue 6 (8th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schmideder, Stefan; Barthel, Lars; Friedrich, Tiaan; Thalhammer, Michaela; Kovačević, Tijana; Niessen, Ludwig; Meyer, Vera; Briesen, Heiko
• Is Part Of: Biotechnology and bioengineering. Volume 116:Issue 6(2019)
• Page Start: 1355
• Page End: 1365
• Publication Date: 2019-03-08
• Subjects: filamentous fungi -- image analysis -- pellets -- three‐dimensional morphological quantification -- X‐ray microtomography; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Bioengineering -- Periodicals; 660.6
• DOI: 10.1002/bit.26956
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0006-3592

Abstract

Abstract: Filamentous fungi are widely used in the production of biotechnological compounds. Since their morphology is strongly linked to productivity, it is a key parameter in industrial biotechnology. However, identifying the morphological properties of filamentous fungi is challenging. Owing to a lack of appropriate methods, the detailed three‐dimensional morphology of filamentous pellets remains unexplored. In the present study, we used state‐of‐the‐art X‐ray microtomography (µCT) to develop a new method for detailed characterization of fungal pellets. µCT measurements were performed using freeze‐dried pellets obtained from submerged cultivations. Three‐dimensional images were generated and analyzed to locate and quantify hyphal material, tips, and branches. As a result, morphological properties including hyphal length, tip number, branch number, hyphal growth unit, porosity, and hyphal average diameter were ascertained. To validate the potential of the new method, two fungal pellets were studied—one from Aspergillus niger and the other from Penicillium chrysogenum . We show here that µCT analysis is a promising tool to study the three‐dimensional structure of pellet‐forming filamentous microorganisms in utmost detail. The knowledge gained can be used to understand and thus optimize pellet structures by means of appropriate process or genetic control in biotechnological applications. Abstract : A novel method to analyze the three‐dimensional morphology of pellets of filamentous fungi was developed in this study. X‐ray microtomography images of A. niger and P. chrysogenum pellets were processed with 3D image analysis to locate and quantify hyphal material, tips, and branches within whole pellets for the first time