Application of a two-compartment model to the wall growth of Pelobacter acidigallici under continuous culture conditions

Continuous cultivation of Pelobacter acidigallici on gallic acid is accompanied by biofilm formation. Steady states can be obtained at dilution rates nearly twice the maximum growth rate. A two-compartment model is presented which allows us to determine rate constants of attachment and detachment. The model is based on the assumption that the biofilm is fully penetrated by the substrate. At high dilution rates the outcome of our experiments is mainly determined by the attachment rate. The influence of the thickness of the biofilm is discussed in order to demonstrate the limitations of the model.