Scanning Electron Microscopic Analysis of Aspergillus niger Pellets and Biofilms under Various Process Conditions

Aspergillus spp are among the powerful microbes involved in environmental management. The growth of Aspergillus niger varies in the form of pellets to biofilm. Pelleted form of growth has been observed in the media without any support, whereas growth nature has been shifted (pelleted to biofilm form) by incorporating solid support in the medium. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has proved to be a precious and valuable implement for morphological as well as structural characterization of fungal pellets and biofilms. It has been observed that polyester sheet act as a better solid support for development of thick biofilm having lesser interstitial voids and more structured channel which provides conditions for improved mass transfer needed for effective and efficient application of Aspergillus system in industrial and environmental management process.