基于三维成像技术的污泥菌群中抗生素抗性基因转移动态特征研究

应用活细胞三维成像技术,实时和原位观测了活性污泥菌群中抗生素抗性基因转移动态特征.微流控芯片是一种细菌生长的良好载体,活细胞成像系统低光毒性不损伤细菌活性,两者结合能有效实现基因转移的长时间原位观测,能够区分抗性基因的水平转移和垂直转移.结果表明:垂直转移是污泥菌群中抗性基因的主要转移方式,菌群纵向转移速率与其厚度有关,菌群内部转移率较高,基因转移速率为0.24～0.29 h~(-1).

Transfer dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes in sludge bacterial community using live cell 3D imaging technology

The transfer dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in activated sludge bacterial community was observed in situ and real time, using a microfluidic chip coupled with live-cell three-dimensional (3D) imaging system. The microfluidic chip was designed for cultivating bacteria, and the live-cell 3D imaging system could record gene transfer process without lose bacteria activity due to its low phototoxicity. By combining the two systems, long time in-situ observation of gene transfer in bacterial community was achieved, meanwhile, horizontal and vertical gene transfer could be distinguish. The results show that vertical gene transfer was the major way for transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in sludge bacterial community. The distribution of transconjugants in the vertical direction was related with the community thickness. The transfer rate inside the community was higher than the surface, which varied in the range of 0.24~0.29 h^-1.