Figure 1

Schematic diagram and photos of the SSB system. Schematic diagram of SSB system (A): flowmeter (1), 0.2 μm venting filter (2), 1-L pre-wetting bottle (3), 2-L cultivation bottle (4), magnetic stirrer (5), 1-L safety bottle for off-gas (6), optional second 0.5-L safety bottle for off-gas (7 ^* ), optional off-gas analyzer (8 ^* ), circulating thermostat (9), optional sample port (10 ^* ), optional liquid inlet port (11 ^* ). Devices marked with an asterisk are optional and not required for successful operation of the SSB system. Overview of the SSB system (B), sparger and cooling finger (C), and pre-wetting and cultivation bottles (D). For details of the assembly of the SSB system please refer to Additional file 1.