Microautoradiography (MAR) is a technique that allows the direct identification of active microorganisms and of their metabolic capabilities without prior enrichment or cultivation. Today, this technique is probably the only one that allows an in-depth investigation of the ecophysiology of uncultivated bacteria under their natural conditions, and it possesses, therefore, alone or in combination with other in situ techniques, a great potential to be used in comprehensive studies of biofilms and other ecosystems. Here, we present a brief description of the microautoradiographic technique, and recent examples of the type of information that can be obtained using MAR in combination with FISH or with other methods when investigating biofilm processes. Also, some limitations of the technique are discussed.
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Research Article|
October 01 2005
Microautoradiography: recent advances within the studies of the ecophysiology of bacteria in biofilms
P.H. Nielsen;
1Section of Environmental Engineering, Department of Life Sciences, Aalborg University, Sohngaardsholmsvej 57, DK-9000, Aalborg, Denmark, (E-mail: [email protected])
E-mail: [email protected]
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J.L. Nielsen
J.L. Nielsen
1Section of Environmental Engineering, Department of Life Sciences, Aalborg University, Sohngaardsholmsvej 57, DK-9000, Aalborg, Denmark, (E-mail: [email protected])
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Water Sci Technol (2005) 52 (7): 187–194.
Citation
P.H. Nielsen, J.L. Nielsen; Microautoradiography: recent advances within the studies of the ecophysiology of bacteria in biofilms. Water Sci Technol 1 October 2005; 52 (7): 187–194. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2005.0200
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