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. 1992 Jul;58(7):2231–2236. doi: 10.1128/aem.58.7.2231-2236.1992

Applications of a colorimetric plate assay for soluble methane monooxygenase activity.

D W Graham 1, D G Korich 1, R P LeBlanc 1, N A Sinclair 1, R G Arnold 1
PMCID: PMC195760  PMID: 1637160

Abstract

A straightforward method is described for screening methanotrophic colonies for soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO) activity on solid media. Such activity results in the development of a colored complex between 1-naphthol, which is formed when sMMO reacts with naphthalene, and o-dianisidine (tetrazotized). Methanotrophic colonies expressing sMMO turned deep purple when exposed successively to naphthalene and o-dianisidine. The method was evaluated within the contexts of two potential applications. The first was for the enumeration of Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b in a methane-amended, unsaturated soil column dedicated to vinyl chloride treatment. The second application was for the isolation and enumeration of sMMO-bearing methanotrophs from sanitary landfill soils. The technique was effective in both applications.

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Selected References

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