The immobilisation of Euglena gracilis Z cells in a calcium alginate matrix maintained respiratory and photosynthetic activities and ultrastructural integrity. Moreover, immobilization did not prevent Euglena cells from greening inside the gel beads. Electron microscopy demonstrated that the immobilized cells were fixed in the same cellular state as they were when the immobilization occurred. This can he explained by simultaneous reaction of both Ca2+ and the alginate with the cells. Some hypotheses about the role of C2+ are discussed. In addition, long term storage (2 years) in calcium alginate has been performed permitting applications in algal storage.
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