Detection of Methanogenic Bacteria
Our VIT® Methanogenic Bacteria test kit allows the identification of methane-producing archaea (methane bacteria) in samples from anaerobic sludge treatment, biogas reactors and pellet sludge. The methane bacteria are detected directly in the test material and a quantitative estimate is also made in comparison to the total vital flora in the sample.
VIT® Methanogenic Bacteria can be used to monitor the microbiology of methane gas-producing plants.
Your Advantages
VIT® technology enables the targeted detection of individual microorganisms at population, genus or species level. The use of highly specific, rRNA-based gene probes ensures clear identification of the target organism directly in the sample.
The technology enables direct quantification of the target organisms in the sample. Using the VIT® Vision software, the population development can be recorded and reliably tracked over time. Even minor changes become visible even before the first abnormalities in the process parameters become apparent. This allows proactive intervention - before the chemical process values are impaired.
The analysis is carried out without complex sample purification or enrichment: the microorganisms are hybridized directly in activated sludge or other environmental samples and then evaluated microscopically. This preserves the natural matrix - a major advantage over methods based on cell isolation or DNA extraction.
The VIT® gene probes only hybridize with intact, metabolically active cells, as only these have sufficient amounts of ribosomal RNA. This means that only living methane bacteria are detected, while dead or inactive cells are excluded.
In contrast, PCR only detects DNA, regardless of whether the cell is alive or dead. This means that dead cells can also be detected in PCR analyses, which can lead to a considerable overestimation of the actual biological activity - particularly problematic in processes such as nitrification, where the functional potential is crucial.
Depending on the setup, it only takes a few hours from sample extraction to analysis. The hybridization is standardized, the analysis is performed by fluorescence microscopy and can also be carried out on site in routine environments. The evaluation and subsequent quantification can be carried out easily with the help of the VIT® Vision software.
The test kits are user-friendly and can be integrated into existing laboratory procedures with minimal training. Detection is carried out using fluorescence microscopy and does not require complex equipment or special software solutions. This makes the method particularly robust and user-independent.
Product Specifications
| Detection of | Methane bacteria |
| Samples that can be analyzed include | Digester samples from biogas reactors anaerobic pellet sludge Digester samples Sludge from anaerobic reactors |
| Technology | VIT® gene probe technology |
| Evaluation | by means of VIT® adapted Fluorescence microscope |
| Type of analysis | qualitative detection |
| Scope of delivery | Analysis reagents Product manual |
| Package size | 25 analyses |
Handling and Analysis
The sample is prepared using a VIT® adapted fluorescence miscroscope. All bacteria are visible in phase contrast. Methanogenic bacteria specifically glow red or green.
You can also have your sample analyzed in our laboratory:
Laboratory analysis of methane bacteria
You can also have complete population profiles of anaerobic reactors carried out:
Why is Microbiological Monitoring so Important?
In anaerobic processes, such as the anaerobic reactor in municipal wastewater treatment plants or in anaerobic sludge from industrial wastewater treatment plants, methane gas is formed in the final step, which can be fed back into the energy cycle.
With the VIT® gene probe technology, the most important populations in the anaerobic process can be tracked and changes in stability can be detected at an early stage. In particular, the development of methane-forming archaea, which determine the important fourth phase in methane gas formation, can be identified and their changes observed. This makes it much easier to control and stabilize the complex anaerobic process.
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