Comparison of the specificities and efficacies of primers for aromatic dioxygenase gene analysis of environmental samples

Abstract

Aromatic dioxygenase genes have long been of interest for bioremediation and aromatic carbon cycling studies. To date, 115 primers and probes have been designed and used to analyze dioxygenase gene diversities in environmental samples. Here we analyze those primers' specificities, coverages, and PCR product lengths compared to known aromatic dioxygenase genes based on in silico analysis as well as summarize their differing advantages or effectiveness from over 50 reported experimental studies. We also provide some guidance for primer use in future studies. © 2011, American Society for Microbiology.