Combination of fluorescence in situ hybridization with staining techniques for cell viability and accumulation of PHA and polyP in microorganisms in complex microbial systems.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can be combined with a number of staining techniques to reveal the relationships between the microorganisms and their function in complex microbial systems with a single-cell resolution. In this chapter, we have focused on staining methods for intracellular storage compounds (polyhydroxyalkanoates, polyphosphate) and a measure for cell viability, reduction of the tetrazolium-based redox stain CTC. These protocols are optimized for the study of microorganisms in waste-water treatment (activated sludge and biofilms), but they may also be used with minor modifications in many other ecosystems.
Nielsen
Jeppe Lund
JL
Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
Kragelund
Caroline
C
Nielsen
Per Halkjaer
PH
D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D054813:Polyhydroxyalkanoates / Q000378:metabolism*; D011122:Polyphosphates / Q000378:metabolism*
D054813:Polyhydroxyalkanoates; D011122:Polyphosphates