Formation and growth of bacterial biofilm in three-phase reactors

Biofilm three-phase reactors are a valid solution to achieve process intensification in several bioconversion processes. The present contribute regards recent results about growth of Pseudomonas sp. OX1 biofilm on granular materials. Phenol was adopted as carbon source. Bioreactors investigated were a three Phase Circulating reactor (3PCr), and an Internal Loop Airlift reactor (ILAr). The 3PCr was successfully adopted to maximize the formation of biofilm. Tests carried out with the ILAr - operated under continuous conditions with respect to the gas and liquid phases - showed that: the lower the reactor space-time the higher the average steady biofilm concentration; the suspended biomass was present despite the wash-out conditions adopted.