Method for determining the specific growth rate of distinct microbial populations in a non-homogeneous system
US7771941B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 2007 |
| Grant date | Aug 10, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC12Q1/6841
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention pertains to a molecular biology-based method and kit for measuring the specific growth rate (or cell doubling time) of distinct microbial populations. The method and kit can be used to analyze mixed culture samples that have been exposed to chloramphenicol or other protein synthesis inhibitors for defined times. In a preferred embodiment, the method of the invention (also referred to herein as FISH-RiboSyn) is an in situ method that utilizes fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with probes that target: (1) the 5′ or 3′ end of precursor 16S rRNA; or (2) the interior region of both precursor 16S rRNA and mature 16S rRNA. Images can be captured for a defined exposure time and the average fluorescent intensity for individual cells can be determined. The rate of increase of the whole cell fluorescent intensity is used to determine the specific growth rate. The method of the invention can be attractive for rapidly measuring the specific growth rate (or cell doubling time) of distinct microbial populations within a mixed culture in industries such as environmental systems (water and wastewater treatment systems), bioremediation (optimization of conditions for mi…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.