ABSTRACT
This chapter overviews the fundamentals of cell aggregation and sedimentation with liberal reference to other sources. It describes traditional applications of cell aggregation and sedimentation, including beer fermentation, activated sludge processes, and cell harvesting and recycle. The chapter reviews recent research on modern biotechnological applications of cell aggregation and sedimentation exploiting selective cell separation technology. Cell aggregation is also commonly referred to as flocculation, coagulation, agglutination, agglomeration, and self-adhesion, although sometimes these terms are used for slightly different meanings. In addition to the molecular architecture of the cell wall, flocculation also depends on the physiological state of the cells. Measurements of the degree of aggregation in cell suspensions are important in the design of separation and fermentation processes that are based on aggregation and sedimentation. The chapter also describes the use of inclined settlers for enhancing cell harvesting and recycle.
