The fluorescent dyes TO-PRO-3 and TOTO-3 iodide allow detection of microbial cells in soil samples without interference from background fluorescence

Ruth Henneberger, Debra Birch, Peter Bergquist, Malcolm Walter, Roberto P. Anitori

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    1 Citation (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Visualization of microorganisms in soils and sediments using fluorescent dyes is a common method in microbial ecology studies, but is often hampered by strong nonspecific background fluorescence that can mask genuine cellular signals. Te cyanine nucleic acid binding dyes TO-PRO-3 and TOTO-3 iodide enabled a clear detection of microbial cells in a mineral soil, while nonspecific background was greatly reduced compared with commonly used dyes. When used as counterstains for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), both cyanine dyes allowed identification of microbial cells despite strong background from nonspecifically bound probes. TO-PRO-3 and TOTO-3 are easy to use and represent superior alternatives for detecting microorganisms in soil environments.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)190-192
    Number of pages3
    JournalBioTechniques
    Volume51
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Sept 2011

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