Lipid Biomarkers in Geomicrobiology: Analytical Techniques and Applications

doi:10.1017/9781107707399.014

14 - Lipid Biomarkers in Geomicrobiology: Analytical Techniques and Applications

from Part V - Microbiological Techniques

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 July 2019

Jiasong Fang ,

Shamik Dasgupta ,

Li Zhang and

Weiqiang Zhao

Edited by

Janice P. L. Kenney ,

Harish Veeramani and

Daniel S. Alessi

Show author details

Janice P. L. Kenney: Affiliation:
MacEwan University, Edmonton
Harish Veeramani: Affiliation:
Carleton University, Ottawa
Daniel S. Alessi: Affiliation:
University of Alberta

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Summary

Lipid biomarker analysis is a useful tool for characterizing microbial communities in geomicrobiology. Phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) are major components of microbial membranes, and analysis of these markers provides insight into microbial biomass, community structure, and metabolic processes. This article reviews the methods for extraction, fractionation, derivatization, and quantification of PLFA, as well as the interpretation of PLFA patterns for microbial community analysis in natural environmental systems. The discussion centers on the development, the subsequent modifications, and the advantages and limitations of the methods. Two case studies are given to illustrate the applications of intact phospholipid profiling (IPP) and PLFA in geomicrobiology. The recent developments and future directions of microbial signature lipid analysis are also discussed.

Type: Chapter
Information: Analytical Geomicrobiology
A Handbook of Instrumental Techniques
, pp. 341 - 359

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781107707399.014 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2019

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