Mikrobiol. Z. 2019; 81(2):14-24.
doi: https://doi.org/10.15407/microbiolj81.02.014

Bromothymol Blue as the Universal Indicator for Determining the Stereometric Allocation of pH and Eh
in the Medium in Heterophase Microorganisms Cultivation

Tashyrev O.B., Sioma I.B., Tashyreva G.O., Hovorukha V.M.

Zabolotny Institute of Microbiology and Virology, NAS of Ukraine
154 Akad. Zabolotny Str., Kyiv, 03143, Ukraine

Purpose. The purpose of this research was the investigation of the possibility of using bromothymol blue as a RedOx indicator and the measuring of RedOx potential value of bromothymol blue decolouring. Methods. The research was run using conventional microbiological, potentiometrical, physical and chemical methods. Results. It is shown for the first time, that bromothymol blue is a multipurpose indicator for the determination of pH and RedOx potential (Eh) of the medium during the heterophase solid substrate fermentation by microorganisms. The bromothymol blue solution provides the visual control over the pH value dynamics in the range of 4.5–7.5 and Eh≥–200 mV (at рН 7.0). Conclusions. Application of bromothymol blue in the heterophase fermentation of solid substrate allows visualising of the zones with altered pH and Eh, their stereometric distribution and changing configuration in time. The ability of bromothymol blue to be a RedOx indicator as well as pH indicator expands the opportunity of its use in microbiological and biothechnological research.

Keywords: bromothymol blue, Eh indicator, heterophase cultivation.

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