Microcalorimetric studies of the action of Er3+ on Halobacterium halobium R1 growth.

A microcalorimetric technique was used to evaluate the influence of Er3+ on Halobacterium halobium R1 growth. By means of a LKB-2277 Bioactivity Monitor ampoule method, we obtained the thermogenic curves of H. halobium R1 growth at 37 degrees C. In order to analyze the results, the relationship between k and C was obtained. The addition of Er3+ in low concentration cause a decrease of the maximum heat production P<I->max and growth rate constants k; however, Er3+ in a high concentration might promote growth of H. halobium R1. When Er3+ is in a much higher concentration, the growth of H. halobium R1 is inhibited completely. For comparison, the shapes of H. halobium R1 cells were observed by means of transmission electron microscope (TEM). According to the thermogenic curves and TEM photos of H. halobium R1 under different conditions, it is clear that the metabolic mechanism of H. halobium R1 growth has been changed with the addition of Er3+.