DNA Microarray Technology in Microbial Ecology Studies—Principle, Applications and Current Limitations

Abstract

DNA microarray technology has been successfully used in numerous medical and clinical applications, but its application in environmental studies for bacterial detection and microbial community analysis has faced many challenges due to the highly diverse and complex nature of environmental samples. Only a limited number of studies have been published, mainly showing the “proof of principle” of the method in this field of research. More rigorous and systematic assessments and improvements are required to extend the microarray technique to its full potential. Here, some fundamental concepts involved in the microarray technique are discussed, and recent developments in microarray-based technology in microbial ecology applications are reviewed. © 2003, Japanese Society of Microbial Ecology & The Japanese Society of Soil Microbiology. All rights reserved.