Systematic error and comparison of four methods for assessing the viability ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae suspensions

Hélène Lange (1) , Jean-Michel Bavouzet (2) , Patricia Taillandier (1) , C. Delorme (2)

1 LGC - Laboratoire de Génie Chimique
2 INSA Toulouse - Institut National des Sciences Appliquées - Toulouse

Four methods for the determination of cell viability were compared: the plate count technique, the flow cytometer, and two microscopic numerations- one after methylene blue staining and the other one with epifluorescence. The experimental error of these techniques was for the first time estimated: 8% for both numerations under microscope and 13% for the plate count technique. The staining mechanisms were explained by comparing the numerations under microscope and the flow cytometer analysis.

Mots clés: Methylene blue; Experimental error; Esterase activity; Plate count

Domaines: Génie chimique; Génie des procédés

Hélène Lange, Jean-Michel Bavouzet, Patricia Taillandier, C. Delorme. Systematic error and comparison of four methods for assessing the viability ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae suspensions. Biotechnology Techniques, 1993, 7 (3), pp.223-228. ⟨10.1007/BF02566152⟩. ⟨hal-02143221⟩