Application of PMA staining technique in monitoring viable microorganisms in aquatic ecosystems

Abstract

[Objective] Propidium monoazide(PMA) staining technique, a molecular tool that selectively inhibits DNA amplification from nonviable microorganisms, has recently shown unique advantages in monitoring viable microorganisms in aquatic ecosystems. Conventional molecular detection method fail to distinguish between viable and nonviable bacteria, leading to result that cannot reflect the viability of microorganisms. PMA can permeate the compromised membranes of dead cells, bind to intracellular DNA, and block its amplification, thereby enabling targeted analysis of viable microbial communities.[Methods] A systematic review of Chinese and English literature related to PMA staining technique is conducted to comparatively analyze its advantages and disadvantages in monitoring viable microorganisms in aquatic ecosystems.[Results] By adjusting PMA concentration, optimizing photoactivation conditions, and integrating with qPCR or flow cytometry, the detection sensitivity and specificity are significantly improved. Currently, this technology has been successfully applied across diverse fields such as the detection of viable pathogens in drinking water, wastewater treatment, functional microorganism tracking, and the assessment of viable microbial communities in algal blooms.[Conclusion] PMA technology provides an effective tool for observing the “vital status” of aquatic microorganisms. However, its application requires optimization tailored to specific scenarios to provide more precise technical support for drinking water safety, urban water supply quality assurance, aquatic ecosystem restoration, and cyanobacterial bloom management.

Keywords

propidium monoazide / aquatic ecosystem / viable microorganisms / environmental DNA / staining techniques / restoration microbiac monitoning / drinking water safety / water ecological