초록
<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The ability of the immobilized <I>Synechocystis</I> sp. PCC 6803 cells to produce hydrogen via an indirect light driven process was investigated. Cells were successfully immobilized in a calcium alginate gel matrix. Beads were prepared by using 3% (w/v) alginate and 2% (w/v) calcium chloride, and were stable showing minimal cell leakage. Beads had a mean diameter of 5.06 ± 0.18 mm, a volume of 67.8 ± 2.4 μL and a mean cell dry weight of 46.3 ± 0.8 μg. Immobilized cells retained their viability, as shown by measurement of the F<SUB>v</SUB>/F<SUB>m</SUB> ratio, for at least 30 days. The maximum rate of hydrogen production reached 5.73 ± 0.69 mL H<SUB>2</SUB> mg cells<SUP>−1</SUP> (e.g., 40.6 ± 4.9 μmol H<SUB>2</SUB> mg chl<SUP>−1</SUP> h<SUP>−1</SUP>).</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> <I>Synechocystis</I> PCC 6803 immobilisation in calcium alginate. </LI> <LI> Bio-hydrogen production by immobilised <I>Synechocystis</I> PCC 6803 cells. </LI> <LI> H<SUB>2</SUB> production rate with immobilised cells is higher than with suspension cultures. </LI> </UL> </P>