Evaluation of molecular methods used for establishing the interactions and functions of microorganisms in anaerobic bioreactors.
Molecular techniques have unveiled the complexity of the microbial consortium in anaerobic bioreactors and revealed the presence of several uncultivated species. This paper presents a review of the panoply of classical and recent molecular approaches and multivariate analyses that have been, or might be used to establish the interactions and functions of these anaerobic microorganisms. Most of the molecular approaches used so far are based on the analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA but recent studies also use quantification of functional gene expressions. There are now several studies that have developed quantitative real-time PCR assays to investigate methanogens. With a view to improving the stability and performance of bioreactors, monitoring with molecular methods is also discussed. Advances in metagenomics and proteomics will lead to the development of promising lab-on chip technologies for cost-effective monitoring.
Talbot
G
G
Dairy and Swine Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada J1M 0C8. talbotg@agr.gc.ca
Topp
E
E
Palin
M F
MF
Massé
D I
DI
D000693:Anaerobiosis; D019149:Bioreactors / Q000382:microbiology*; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics*; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal / Q000235:genetics; D015723:Gene Library; D020459:Genes, rRNA / Q000235:genetics; D023281:Genomics; D007218:Industrial Microbiology / Q000379:methods*; D015336:Molecular Probe Techniques; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D015345:Oligonucleotide Probes; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction
D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal; D015345:Oligonucleotide Probes