Improving dispersed growth of Frankia using Carbopol

In laboratory culture, strains of the actinomycete Frankia grow slowly and form dense mycelial pellets. In this study, we have shown that by adding the anionic polymer Carbopol 941 to liquid growth media, dispersed growth of Frankia is improved. Cell protein measurements indicated higher biomass production in cultures maintained in media supplemented with Carbopol. Fluorescence staining and microscopy were used to compare viability of well-dispersed mycelia and pellets.