Classification and measurement of fungal pellets by automated image analysis.

An automated image analysis method for classifying and measuring pellets of filamentous fungi growing in submerged fermentations has been developed. The method discriminates between pelleted mycelial growth and loose aggregates of dispersed hyphae. Pellets are classified into smooth and hairy types. In both cases, the core of the pellet is identified and its shape and size characterized. For hairy pellets the annular region is also characterized. The method was tested on pellets of Aspergillus niger ATCC 11414 grown in a defined medium in shake flasks. This rapid method makes practical extensive studies on the morphology of pellets in submerged fermentations and the influence of fermentation conditions on that morphology.