Microbial signature lipid biomarker analysis: an approach that is still preferred, even amid various method modifications
Abstract
The lipid composition of microbial communities can indicate their response to
changes in the surrounding environment induced by anthropogenic practices,
chemical contamination or climatic conditions. A considerable number of
analytical techniques exist for the examination of microbial lipids. This article
reviews a selection of methods available for environmental samples as applied
for lipid extraction, fractionation, derivatization and quantification. The
discussion focuses on the origin of the standard methods, the different
modified versions developed for investigation of microbial lipids, as well as the
advantages and limitations of each. Current modifications to standard methods
show a number of improvements for each of the different steps associated with
analysis. The advantages and disadvantages of lipid analysis compared to other
popular techniques are clarified. Accordingly, the preferential utilization of
signature lipid biomarker analysis in current research is considered. It is clear
from recent literature that this technique stays relevant – mainly for the variety
of microbial properties that can be determined in a single analysis
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10394/18922https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.12798
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jam.12798