Laboratory analysis: Detection of methanogenic archaea
Identification and quantification of methanogenic archaea (methane bacteria) in samples from anaerobic sludge treatment, biogas reactors and digesters. Using specific gene probes, these process-relevant microorganisms are identified directly in the test material and quantified as a percentage of the vital flora.
The report contains informative photo documentation that visualizes the methane bacteria in the wastewater sample.
Qualitative or quantitative detection?
Quantitative detection
How is the analysis carried out?
Using the reliable VIT® gene probe technology.
What are the requirements for the sample to be sent in?
Please request our simple fixation protocol for sampling wastewater samples and fix/stabilize your sample according to this procedure before sending it.
Would you like to carry out the analysis directly on site?
No problem with our test kit:
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.
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