Microbial chemotaxonomy. Chromatography, electrophoresis and relevant profiling techniques.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Microbial classification and identification rely on marker substances.
• Current methods require critical evaluation and improvement.
• Chemotaxonomic methods offer advanced bacterial identification techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the chemistry of marker substances for microbial classification.
• To evaluate current isolation, purification, and biomedical applications.
• To discuss the role of chemical markers in microbial taxonomy.

Main Methods:

• Review of over 300 publications and personal experience.
• Analysis of marker substances using techniques like Gas Chromatography (GC).
• Evaluation of commercial systems for bacterial fatty acid assessment.

Main Results:

• GC and fatty acid analysis are key for microbial recognition.
• A comprehensive fatty acid fingerprint library exists for bacteria.
• Advanced chemotaxonomic methods demand expertise and equipment.

Conclusions:

• Chemical markers are crucial for microbial taxonomy, especially when conventional methods fail.
• Simplifying advanced methods for routine clinical laboratories is essential.
• Screening chemical markers and compiling chemotaxonomic fingerprints will enhance objectivity in taxonomy.