MicroDiagnostics

Understand and Utilise Microbes

At Micronovo Technologies, we enable you to enhance your understanding of the microverse! We use advanced DNA sequencing techniques to provide detailed descriptions of microbial communities including the relative abundance of microorganisms of interest. We couple these sequencing results with qPCR DNA analysis of Total Bacteria, Archaea or Eukaryotes (Fungi) abundance to provide estimates of abundance by microbial species, genera and family.

We also go hunting for specific species of microbe (and even functional genes encoding enzymes of interest within those species) to advise you throughout the bioremediation process for your site – from initial evaluation through to remediation completion!

We also provide both in-house analysis and in-field kits for spectrophotometric enzyme assays. These enable quick and cheap quantification of key indicators of bioremediation progress.

Community Profiling

Utilising contemporary sequencing technology for bacteria and/or fungi, we generate a comprehensive list of microbes in your samples and couple this with qPCR total abundance to estimate abundance by species, genera, and family.

Profiling your microbial community[GU1] provides insights into soil/water conditions, how the indigenous microbes can be stimulated to bioremediate your site and potential inhibition challenges that may need to be overcome for bioaugmentation.

Gene Quantification

Using quantitative real-time PCR technology, we accurately quantify specific DNA sequences in environmental samples. This helps in assessing microbial abundance and potential for bioremediation. For example, tracking Dehalococcoides species and their functional genes, tceA, bvcA and vcrA encoding chlorinated ethene dechlorination, indicates the progress of chlorinated solvent degradation.

Browse our qPCR targets using our search function.  This tool enables our extensive menu of qPCR targets of microbial species and bioremediation enzymes to be filtered by contaminant types and bioremediation protocols, including:

• Aerobic oxidation of petroleum hydrocarbons - TRH fractions, BTEXN, PAHs, etc

• Anaerobic oxidation of petroleum hydrocarbons - TRH fractions, BTEXN, PAHs, etc

• Reductive dechlorination of chlorinated solvents - PCE, TCE, DCA, DCM, CF, etc

• Reductive dechlorination of other organochlorides - PCBs, pesticides

• Ammonia oxidation and denitrification - NH4+, NH3, NO2-

Contact us to discuss our qPCR Packs for common contaminated soil and groundwater remediation remediation projects, or for a target list customised to your site.  Please also contact us if there are targets you would like that aren't on this menu as we haven't listed the less commonly used targets and, if needed,  we can develop new targets for you project. 

Enzyme Assays

We conduct various spectrophotometric assays to measure specific enzyme activities, providing crucial information on microbial health and bioremediation activity in your soil or water:

Dehydrogenase Activity (DHA) Assay: Measures microbial biomass and oxidative ability, indicating the potential for biodegradation of hydrocarbons.

Laccase Activity Assay: Evaluates the presence of laccase enzymes, which are involved in the degradation of lignin and other complex organic molecules. Useful in assessing the breakdown of organic pollutants.

Peroxidase Activity Assay: Assesses the activity of peroxidase enzymes, which play a role in the oxidation of organic compounds. Important for evaluating the degradation of phenolic pollutants and other resistant compounds.