Screening of Bacillus coagulans strains in lignin supplemented minimal medium with high throughput turbidity measurements

• Turbidimetric high throughput method as tool to characterize bacterial growth.
• Characterization off Bacillus coagulans towards lignin influence.
• Mathematical approach to compare microorganisms.

The aim of this study was to extend the options for screening and characterization of microorganism through kinetic growth parameters. In order to obtain data, automated turbidimetric measurements were accomplished to observe the response of strains of Bacillus coagulans. For the characterization, it was decided to examine the influence of varying concentrations of lignin with respect to bacterial growth. Different mathematical models are used for comparison: logistic, Gompertz, Baranyi and Richards and Stannard. The growth response was characterized by parameters like maximum growth rate, maximum population, and the lag time. In this short analysis we present a mathematical approach towards a comparison of different microorganisms. Furthermore, it can be demonstrated that lignin in low concentrations can have a positive influence on the growth of B. coagulans.