Analysis of bacterial communities on historical glass by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of PCR-amplified gene fragments coding for 16S rRNA

The present study describes the analysis of bacterial communities on histor ical window glass by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of PCR-amplifi ed 16S rDNA fragments. So far, only a few studies have been published in wh ich the microflora and the corrosion mechanisms of glass surfaces have been investigated. Some microorganisms, especially fungi, have been isolated fr om different glass samples in the past. However, our results demonstrate th at bacterial communities on biodeteriorated glass surfaces are much more co mplex than previously believed. In addition, bacteria were identified, whic h have never been isolated from glass samples before. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sci ence B.V. All nights reserved.