Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
09:19
Capturing Actively Produced Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds from Human-Associated Samples with Vacuum-Assisted Sorbent Extraction
Published on: June 1, 2022
3.5K
mVOC: a database of microbial volatiles
Marie Chantal Lemfack1, Janette Nickel, Mathias Dunkel
1University of Rostock, Institute of Biological Sciences, Rostock 18059, Germany, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Structural Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Physiology & Experimental Clinical Research Center, Berlin 13125, Germany and Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin 13353, Germany.
Nucleic Acids Research
|December 7, 2013
Summary
Microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) are potent communication signals in nature. This study introduces mVOC, a new database consolidating scattered information on these microbial scents.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Ecology
Background:
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are crucial for communication in plants and animals.
- Microbial VOCs (mVOCs) have potential applications in disease detection and pest control.
- Existing literature on mVOCs is fragmented, lacking a centralized resource.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a comprehensive, publicly accessible database of microbial VOCs (mVOCs).
- To consolidate scattered information on volatile emissions from bacteria and fungi.
- To facilitate research on the ecological roles and applications of mVOCs.
Main Methods:
- Development of an online database (http://bioinformatics.charite.de/mvoc).
- Compilation of existing literature data on mVOCs.
- Structuring information for easy access and analysis.
Main Results:
- The mVOC database provides a centralized repository of microbial volatile compounds.
- It includes information on volatiles emitted by bacteria and fungi.
- The database aims to support research into mVOC functions and applications.
Conclusions:
- A unified database is essential for advancing the study of microbial VOCs.
- mVOCs hold promise for various applications, from diagnostics to ecological interactions.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the biological roles of mVOCs in ecosystems.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Microbes and Methanogenesis
91
Methanogenesis is a critical microbial process in anaerobic ecosystems responsible for the biological production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas and valuable biofuel. This metabolic pathway is primarily facilitated by methanogenic archaea, which thrive in anoxic environments such as wetlands, sediments, and animal gastrointestinal tracts. The absence of oxygen in these habitats prevents aerobic respiration, thereby favoring alternative biochemical pathways for organic matter degradation.In...
91
01:24Automated Microbial Diagnostics
77
Automated diagnostic analyzers have transformed clinical microbiology by providing rapid and reliable methods for pathogen identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Among these systems, the Vitek 2 is widely used because it automates the traditionally labor-intensive processes of microbial identification (ID) and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST), delivering standardized and timely results that are essential for effective patient care.Microbial Identification with ID CardsThe...
77
01:27Microbial Leaching
227
Microbial leaching, also known as bioleaching, is an environmentally favorable method for extracting metals from low-grade ores using specific microorganisms. This biotechnological approach is particularly valuable for mining operations targeting copper, gold, and uranium, where traditional extraction methods may be economically or environmentally impractical.Copper Leaching and Microbial CatalysisIn copper bioleaching, crushed ore is arranged into heaps and irrigated with a dilute sulfuric...
227
01:23Microbial Fermentation
1.8K
Fermentation is a crucial anaerobic metabolic process that enables microbes to derive energy from sugar without relying on oxygen or an electron transport chain. This process is fundamental to various biological and industrial applications and is classified based on the metabolic products generated.Role of Pyruvate in FermentationPyruvate and its derivatives serve as key electron acceptors in fermentative pathways. The oxidation of NADH to regenerate NAD+ is essential for the continuation of...
1.8K
01:19Methods to Assess Microbial Communities
60
Microbial communities, comprising bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotic microorganisms, inhabit diverse ecosystems and play crucial roles in environmental and biological processes. Their diversity is defined by three main parameters: species richness (the number of distinct species), species abundance (the relative quantity of each species), and species evenness (how uniformly individual species are distributed in various locations). These factors together shape the structure and ecological balance...
60
01:26Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons
150
Bioremediation is an environmentally sustainable process that employs living organisms—primarily microorganisms—to degrade or neutralize pollutants from contaminated environments. In oil spills and hydrocarbon pollution, bioremediation involves the use of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria to transform toxic compounds into less harmful substances. This approach leverages natural microbial metabolic processes and is considered both cost-effective and ecologically favorable compared to...
150