MICROARRAY FOR DETECTING VIABLE ORGANISMS

摘要

A methodology of microarray using the fluorescent DNA intercalating agent propidium monoazide (PMA) to selectively block DNA of dead cells from amplification and its application in detecting and enumerating viable microbes in complex microbial communities is described. A phylogenetic array is used in the preferred embodiment to enhance the sensitivity of the method. The PMA-Microarray assay is particularly applicable for monitoring samples from environments with extremely low microbial burden such as spacecraft surfaces.