The Unexpected Applications of Dissolved Oxygen Meters in Biotechnology

The importance of dissolved oxygen concentration in biotechnological processes is well-known. Dissolved oxygen (DO) is an essential measurement parameter for monitoring bioprocesses, as it is critical for the growth and metabolism of living organisms used in fermentation, cell culture, and wastewater treatment. The measurement of dissolved oxygen concentration in bioreactors is usually achieved using electrochemical sensors known as dissolved oxygen meters.

In this article, we will discuss the unexpected applications of dissolved oxygen meters in biotechnology. We will also explore how dissolved oxygen meters work, their importance in biotechnology, and some of the challenges that researchers face while using them.

Dissolved Oxygen Meters: How They Work

Dissolved oxygen meters measure the concentration of oxygen in a liquid medium. They work by taking advantage of the redox reaction that occurs when oxygen reacts with an electrode. In most dissolved oxygen sensors, the electrode consists of a platinum wire that is coated with a thin layer of porous Teflon. The Teflon membrane protects the electrode from fouling by preventing the sample from coming into contact with it directly.

When placed in a liquid medium, the oxygen in the sample diffuses through the Teflon membrane and reacts with the platinum wire electrode. The reaction generates an electrical current that is proportional to the dissolved oxygen concentration.

Unexpected Applications of Dissolved Oxygen Meters

1. In the Synthesis of Biodegradable Plastics

Biodegradable plastics are made from renewable resources such as corn starch, instead of petroleum products. These plastics can biodegrade in the environment, which reduces the amount of waste that goes to landfills. Researchers have found that dissolved oxygen meters can be used to monitor the oxygen consumption of microorganisms used in the production of biodegradable plastics. This information helps researchers optimize the process by adjusting oxygen supply to maintain the ideal dissolved oxygen level for the microorganisms.

2. In Food Fermentation Processes

Fermentation is the process of using yeast or bacteria to convert sugars into alcohol or acid. The process is used in the production of many types of food and beverages, such as bread, beer, wine, yogurt, and cheese. The dissolved oxygen concentration is an essential parameter for fermentation. Too little oxygen can lead to anaerobic conditions that produce undesirable compounds, while too much oxygen can inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Dissolved oxygen meters are used to monitor and control oxygen supply during fermentation to ensure optimal conditions for microorganisms.

3. In Biomedical Research

Dissolved oxygen meters are used in biomedical research to monitor the oxygen consumption of cells and tissues. The oxygen consumption rate is an indicator of cellular metabolism and can provide valuable information about the health of cells and tissues. Researchers can use this information to study the effect of drugs or disease on cellular metabolism.

4. In Water and Wastewater Treatment

Dissolved oxygen meters are used in the water and wastewater treatment industry to monitor the dissolved oxygen concentration in treatment tanks. The dissolved oxygen concentration is an essential parameter for the growth of microorganisms, which are used to break down organic matter in wastewater. Too little oxygen can lead to incomplete degradation of organic matter and foul odors, while too much oxygen can lead to the growth of nitrifying bacteria that produce nitrate.

5. In Environmental Monitoring

Dissolved oxygen meters are used in environmental monitoring to measure the dissolved oxygen concentration in lakes, rivers, and oceans. The dissolved oxygen concentration in water is an indicator of water quality. Low dissolved oxygen levels can indicate water pollution or eutrophication, which is the excessive growth of algae due to nutrient enrichment.

Challenges in Using Dissolved Oxygen Meters

One of the challenges in using dissolved oxygen meters is the sensitivity of the electrode to fouling. The electrode can become coated with particles or biological matter, which can affect the accuracy of the measurement. Researchers can mitigate this by using a sensor with a self-cleaning mechanism or by periodically cleaning the electrode.

Another challenge is the interference of other substances in the sample with the measurement. For example, high levels of sulfide or nitrite can interfere with the redox reaction and affect the accuracy of the measurement. Researchers can overcome this by using interference-free sensors or by pretreating the sample to remove interfering substances.

Conclusion

Dissolved oxygen meters have numerous applications in biotechnology, from the production of biodegradable plastics to wastewater treatment. The measurement of dissolved oxygen concentration is critical for monitoring and controlling bioprocesses. While there are some challenges in using dissolved oxygen meters, researchers can overcome them by using interference-free sensors or by periodically cleaning the electrode. The unexpected applications of dissolved oxygen meters in biotechnology demonstrate the versatility and importance of this measurement parameter.

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