Studies in peptide utilization by microorganisms using biosensor techniques

The biosensor technique - comprising viable microorganisms on an oxygen electrode - was used for studies in peptide utilization by measuring the change of respiration after peptide addition (acceleration of respiration). Insight into the mechanism of utilization of peptides by Bacillus subtilis and Trichosporon cutaneum was obtained by studying the influence of preincubation with amino acids (Gly, Asp, Phe) and peptides (Gly-homopeptides, Gly-Phe, Gly-Gly-Phe, aspartame), respectively. The results of these induction experiments demonstrate that the acceleration of respiration depends both on the transport systems for peptide uptake as well as the metabolism of the amino acids constituting the peptides.