Solubilization of bacterial cells in organic solvents via reverse micelles.

A reverse micellar system containing Tween 85 and water in isopropylpalmitate was developed which permitted the solubilization of bacteria in the form of homogenous organic solutions. The presence of the bacteria in solution was demonstrated by light microscopy. Immediately after solubilization, isolated bacterial cells were observed, which by aging tend to form larger aggregates. Cells of Escherichia coli remained viable in this system for at least one day and retained beta-galactosidase activity for an even longer period as indicated by the hydrolysis of x-gal. Cells of an alkane-degrading strain of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus remained viable in the system for several days.