title: Combination of fluorescence in situ hybridization with staining techniques for cell viability and accumulation of PHA and polyP in microorganisms in complex microbial systems.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
authors.forename: Jeppe Lund
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Nielsen
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kragelund
authors.forename: Per Halkjaer
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Nielsen
mesh_terms: D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D054813:Polyhydroxyalkanoates / Q000378:metabolism*; D011122:Polyphosphates / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D054813:Polyhydroxyalkanoates; D011122:Polyphosphates