Model for prediction of immobilized Acetobacter cell number in calcium alginate gel droplets

The geometry of calcium alginate gel spheres is studied by fractal interpretation for prediction of number of cells to be immobilized. For alginate concentrations from 1 to 5% the simulated results are of 6.65 x 108, 1.44 x 108 and 5.27 x 107 N cell mL-1 for respectively 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 mm gel sphere diameters. Simulated data are compared with those resulting from literature and particularly with experimental trials where from 107 to 108 N cell mL-1, in 2% alginate beads with a diameter of 1.5 mm, is able to fulfil mechanical and swelling characteristics of alginate gel beads besides to supply good oxygenation.