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Non-invasive microelectrode ion flux measurements to study adaptive responses of microorganisms to the environment
Citation
Shabala, L and Ross, T and McMeekin, TA and Shabala, SN, Non-invasive microelectrode ion flux measurements to study adaptive responses of microorganisms to the environment, FEMS Microbiology Reviews, 30, (3) pp. 472-486. ISSN 0168-6445 (2006) [Refereed Article]
DOI: doi:10.1111/j.1574-6976.2006.00019.x
Abstract
The regulation of membrane-transport activity is crucial for intracellular pH homeostasis, maintenance of cell osmotic potential, nutrient acquisition, signalling, and adaptation of bacterial cells. The non-invasive microelectrode ion flux estimation (MIFE) technique is a powerful tool for kinetic studies of membrane-transport processes across cellular membranes. Since 2001, when this technique was first applied to the study of membrane-transport processes in bacterial cells (J Microbiol Methods46, 119-129), a large amount of information has been accumulated. This review summarizes some of these findings and discusses the advantages and applicability of this technique in studying bacterial adaptive responses to adverse environmental conditions. First, various methodological aspects of the application of this novel technique in microbiology are discussed. Then, several practical examples ('case studies') are described. The latter include changes in membrane-transport activity in response to various stresses (acidic, osmotic, and temperature stresses) as well as flux changes as a function of bacterial growth stage and nutrient availability. It is shown that non-invasive ion flux measurements may provide a significant conceptual advance in our understanding of adaptive responses in bacteria, fungi and biofilms to a variety of environmental conditions. The technique can also be used for the rapid assessment of food-processing treatments aimed at reducing bacterial contamination of food and for the development of strategies to assess the resistance of organisms to antimicrobial agents. © 2006 Federation of European Microbiological Societies Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Research Division: | Biological Sciences |
| Research Group: | Microbiology |
| Research Field: | Microbial Ecology |
| Objective Division: | Health |
| Objective Group: | Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) |
| Objective Field: | Food Safety |
| Author: | Shabala, L (Dr Lana Shabala) |
| Author: | Ross, T (Associate Professor Tom Ross) |
| Author: | McMeekin, TA (Professor Thomas McMeekin) |
| Author: | Shabala, SN (Professor Sergey Shabala) |
| ID Code: | 33051 |
| Year Published: | 2006 |
| Web of Science® Times Cited: | 53 |
| Deposited By: | Agricultural Science |
| Deposited On: | 2006-08-01 |
| Last Modified: | 2007-11-09 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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