Electrical Potential Spiking of Kombucha Zoogleal Mats: A Symbiotic Community of Bacteria and Yeasts
Andrew Adamatzky
Abstract
Background: A kombucha is a sugared tea fermented by a symbiotic community of over 20 species of bacteria and yeasts. The community produces and inhabits cellulosic gelatinous zoogleal mats. Methods: We studied electrical activity of the kombucha mats using pairs of differential electrodes. Results: We discovered that the mats produce action potential like spikes of electrical potential. The spikes are often grouped in the trains of spikes. Characteristics of the spikes and trains of spikes are presented. Conclusion: We demonstrated that electrical responses of kombucha mats to chemical, electrical, and optical stimulation are distinctive and therefore the mats can be used as sensors, or even unconventional computing devices.