METHOD FOR MEASURING ACTIVITY OF MICROORGANISM OR CELL

摘要

PURPOSE:To measure the activity of microorganisms or cells with a simple operation by detecting directly the motion of the microorganisms or cells by making use of an electrical change. CONSTITUTION:A sample liquid 2 contg. the microorganisms or cells is put into a measuring cell 1. A working electrode 3, counter electrode 4 and reference electrode 5 made of gold plates are installed to the cell. The potential of the electrode 3 is set at prescribed potential by a potentiometer 6 and the current is measured by an ammeter 7. The greater part of the current is the reduction current of dissolved oxygen and the diffusion layer of the dissolved oxygen formed by a reduction phenomenon near the electrode 3 is disturbed by the motion of the microorganisms or cells existing at the periphery and therefore the reduction progresses further and the current value increase. The current change is detected and analyzed as an electric signal, by which the activity of the microorganisms and cells is measured.