The broth containing Z. mobilis cells in 500 mL stock culture
(approximately OD600 = 3.5) was centrifuged and washed with distilled
water. The pellets were suspended in NaCl 0.9% (w/v) solution
and then mixed thoroughly with 50 mL of 2% (w/v) sodium
alginate solution. After proper mixing, the Ca-alginate gel beads
were prepared by dropping sodium alginate solution into pre-cold
CaCl2 (4%, w/v) solution.