I was using the centrifuge technique for the separation of microbial growth pellet from the media. The problem is that there is no accuracy in the results obtained. The weight of the eppendorf collecting tube is not very suspicious. I mean sometimes the weight of the pellet is less than the original weight of vacant eppendorf taken before experiment.
Measuring the culture optical density at 600nm is the typical method for generating bacterial growth curves.
Alternatively, quantitative culture can be performed by plating serial dilutions of the different time points of interest and countig the colony forming units (cfu). Optical density as well as qunatitative plating give good results for mainly planktonic growing bacteria. If you have species with strong intercellular adherence mild ultra sonication can be used for disruption of bacterial cell clusters.
I am fully agree with Dr. Thompson and Dr. Knobloch. Measuring the optical density at 600 nm and spread plating technique at proper time intervals are the best methods with proper caring (such as sterile conditions). for custer forming bacteria sonication is good before measuring OD or spread plating.
Measuring OD is fast and less time consuming method otherwise.
The centrifuge technique is not accurate as every mL of culture may have different cell concentration/cfu and optimization of centrifugation is must for proper pelleting of the culture.
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