Advances and perspectives of using stable isotope probing (SIP)-based technologies in contaminant biodegradation

Jinha Kim, Texas A & M University
Myung Hwangbo, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Chih-Hsuan Shih
Kung-Hui Chu

Under a Creative Commons license

Abstract

Highlights

• Advances of SIP-based techniques/applications are comprehensively reviewed.

• Varying stable isotopes types/numbers/ positions reinforce biodegradation studies.

• SIP identifies microbes capable of co-metabolic degradation of contaminants.

• Single-cell SIP.and qSIP are promising to overcome cross-feeding effects.

Abstract

Stable isotope probing (SIP) is a powerful tool to study microbial community structure and function in both nature and engineered environments. Coupling with advanced genomics and other techniques, SIP studies have generated substantial information to allow researchers to draw a clearer picture of what is occurring in complex microbial ecosystems. This review provides an overview of the advances of SIP-based technologies over time, summarizes the status of SIP applications to contaminant biodegradation, provides critical perspectives on ecological interactions within the community, and important factors (controllable and non-controllable) to be considered in SIP experimental designs and data interpretation. Current trend and perspectives of adapting SIP techniques for environmental applications are also discussed.