Application of rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes in biotechnology

Ribosomal RNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes have become valuable tools fo r the detection of microorganisms involved in important biotechnological pr ocesses. Microorganisms which are of major importance for processes such as wastewater treatment, microbial leaching or methane production can be dete cted and quantified in situ within a complex microbial community ty. For ce rtain processes, such as nitrification or biological phosphate removal, new microorganisms have become the focus of interest and have led to an improv ed understanding of these bioremediation techniques. Hybridization techniqu es have become fast and reliable alternatives to conventional cultivation t echniques in the food industry as a control method for starter cultures for fermentation processes or product control. Recent analytical tools such as flow cytometry and digital image processing have improved the efficiency o f these techniques. This review is intended to present a summary of methodo logical aspects of rRNA-based hybridization techniques and their applicatio n in biotechnology.