Formatted Title
Upcoming Attractions: The Future of Molecular Biological Tools
Background/Objectives
As molecular biological tools continue to increase in recognition and accessibility, there is not only a higher demand for the analyses in general but also a higher demand for their enhancements and customizations. Because this class of analysis is relatively young, the molecular biological toolkit is constantly poised for continued innovation. In the same way that traditional chemical and geochemical analyses continue to evolve and develop, microbial analyses are following suit.
Approach/Activities
Within the environmental remediation industry, the use of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was adopted when scientists started understanding the limitations of phospholipid fatty acid analysis and the biased data that resulted from plate counts. Shortly thereafter, the QuantArray platform was created out of the need for high-throughput quantification of a large suite of genetic targets that would also have the same accuracy and precision as standard qPCR. Historically, the combination of opportunity and necessity have resulted in large steps for innovation in this field. Using past examples, this presentation will discuss ways to address current and future needs in microbial analysis. Many of the molecular biological tools that we currently use were transitioned from the well-funded medical industry to the environmental remediation industry, but this talk will discuss other industries that we can look to in order to plot the future trajectory of molecular tools. Moreover, the presentation offers a spotlight on forthcoming breakthroughs in molecular tools and the broader realm of microbial analysis. Questions that are often raised by the environmental remediation community will be discussed and addressed: What is the current state of portable, field-based qPCR? Where do proteomics and metabolomics presently find their niche in this evolving landscape? How will molecular biological tools be used to confront the emerging threat of PFAS and other contaminants?
Results/Lessons Learned
A new generation of microbiological analyses and methods is beginning to take shape. Examples of new innovations like immunoassay analysis, proteomics, metabolomics, and portable field-based instrumentation will be discussed, along with the state of their development. This presentation will also discuss lessons learned in developing molecular biological tools for over 20 years and how to apply them in the future. Much work has been done, not only in technical and scientific achievement, but in education and acceptance as well, and it is important that this experience is applied to future innovations. As a community of end-users and stakeholders, a transparent conversation about the limitations of these tools, both old and new, is crucial. Preserving the hard-earned progress in their acceptance and reputation over the past several decades is a responsibility that we cannot afford to overlook.