Combination of fluorescence in situ hybridization with staining techniques for cell viability and accumulation of PHA and polyP in microorganisms in complex microbial systems

Methods Mol Biol. 2010:599:103-16. doi: 10.1007/978-1-60761-439-5_7.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Biodegradation, Environmental*
  • Environmental Microbiology*
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Polyhydroxyalkanoates / metabolism*
  • Polyphosphates / metabolism*

Substances

  • Polyhydroxyalkanoates
  • Polyphosphates