Control of mixed microbial cultures via specific cell adhesion

Abstract

AbstractA new method for manipulating the steady‐state behavior of a mixed culture is introduced. The method makes use of differences in adherence properties between competing populations to maintain a desired population ratio. The very specific nature of some ligand‐to‐cell interactions allows precise manipulation of even closely related populations. The control method is illustrated by analysis and simulations of models of a competitive mixed culture and a culture of an unstable recombinant organism. In both cases, retention of the disadvantaged population via cell adhesion results in creation of a stable coexistence steady state over a range of operating conditions.