Culture-Independent Analysis of Mixed Microbial CommunitiesThe use of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), particularly consensus PCR of bacterial 16S rRNA genes, has enabled Microbiologists to better understand the organization of microbial communities and reshape their view of microbial diversity. Consensus PCR of 16S rRNA genes results in similar or identical sized PCR products that represent the individual members of the community analysed. Separation of the individual components of such amplicon mixtures – a prerequisite for their subsequent characterization by DNA sequencing – has traditionally been achieved by techniques such as cloning, Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) or Temperature Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (TGGE). The WAVE® Microbial Analysis System was developed as a valuable alternative for the separation of consensus PCR products derived from mixed microbial communities. The WAVE® System offers full automation, high throughput and confers much higher levels of reproducibility when compared to alternative methods. The WAVE® System enables separation of PCR products of similar or identical size using Temperature Modulated Fragment Analysis (TMFA) or DHPLC. Additionally, it allows automated fragment collection of the separated PCR products for further molecular analysis such as DNA sequencing. The principle of this approach is shown in the following diagram.  Applications |