Enhanced Microbial ID & Your Problem Microorganisms

 Microbial ID by Genetic and Phenotype Analysis

What is microbial genetic identification?

Genetic ID refers to the analysis of a pure DNA sample, followed by comparison of that DNA sample to a database of already known and named organisms.  The gene sequence most commonly used is known as the 16s ribosomal DNA, which is a uniquely stable region of DNA.  As the database for microorganisms continues to expand, the nomenclature of these organisms is continually refined..e.g.  yes … it keeps changing.  As only about 10% (by some estimates) of the existing organisms have been identified, there is expected to be a long history of revisions to both the classification and naming of microorganisms.

What is phenotypic identification?

Phenotype identification refers to the phenotype or ‘physical nature’ of an organism.  This is the classical descriptive assessment of microorganisms that we are most familiar with.  As their name implies ‘micro’-organisms are small and typically only observable with a microscope.  In this context, stains, and dyes were the first tools used in conjunction with the microscope to describe and classify microorganisms.  As the tools used in microbial analysis have improved so has the detail of the analysis, include lipid or fatty acid analysis ( fatty acid profiles) which are somewhat like fingerprints to different bacteria and fungi, and other methods such as serotyping (antibody reactivity) (ex. E. coli O157:H7, O157:H7 is the specific serotype of that E. coli.), and other detailed factors.

Our customers have greatly benefited from our expanded microbiological capabilities  supporting industrial preservation, antimicrobial testing, and microbial influenced corrosion (MIC) by the addition of microbial ID using genetic sequencing and phenotype analysis.  Our microbial expertise in microbial applications for antimicrobial products, product preservation and biodegradation provide the expertise to help in determining root cause analysis and solutions to their microbial problems or quality control testing needs.

Microbial ID by genetic analysis provides the single best method for identifying the active organsisms causing potential issues within a product or application.  Knowing which microorganisms are causing the problem can help in determining the best approach to a solution in the shortest time possible.  When organisms are not genetically identifiable using other means for characterization such as their biochemical composition, and enzymatic activity (what they eat and how they respire) can provide the needed information as to their link with a particular problem.

Having the microbial ID is only half the battle!

Our expertise in microbial product formulation, design, and manufacturing; coupled with the largest database of microorganisms in the world held by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), provides our customers with the best resource for identifying their problem microorganisms.

For our customers the microbes of highest interest are those found in many microbial product types such as:

  • Antimicrobial additives
  • Antimicrobial formulations
  • Material ingredients or finished products
    • plastic/polymer master batches
    • liquid preservatives
    • coatings
    • liquids
    • process water
    • metal working fluids
    • raw material mixtures

And in Microbial Induced / Influenced Corrosion (MIC) for:

  • metals
  • concrete
  • plastics
  • foams
  • asphalt

Situ Biosciences is working hard to keep your business ahead of the curve in microbial solutions.

To learn more about our microbial testing and development services please visit www.situbiosciences.com , email info@situbiosciences.com.

References

Here is a good wiki on the subject of serotypes; Wikipedia – serotype