Showing papers by "Jay M. Short published in 2002"
TL;DR: This technique combines encapsulation of cells in gel micro droplets for massively parallel microbial cultivation under low nutrient flux conditions, followed by flow cytometry to detect microdroplets containing microcolonies to enhance understanding of microbial physiology and metabolic adaptation and will provide new sources of microbial metabolites.
Abstract: The recent application of molecular phylogeny to environmental samples has resulted in the discovery of an abundance of unique and previously unrecognized microorganisms. The vast majority of this microbial diversity has proved refractory to cultivation. Here, we describe a universal method that provides access to this immense reservoir of untapped microbial diversity. This technique combines encapsulation of cells in gel microdroplets for massively parallel microbial cultivation under low nutrient flux conditions, followed by flow cytometry to detect microdroplets containing microcolonies. The ability to grow and study previously uncultured organisms in pure culture will enhance our understanding of microbial physiology and metabolic adaptation and will provide new sources of microbial metabolites. We show that this technology can be applied to samples from several different environments, including seawater and soil.
801 citations
TL;DR: The synergistic approach of combining environmental discovery and laboratory evolution for identification and optimization of industrially important biocatalysts with exceptional process compatibility and economics is described.
225 citations