New Developments in Techniques Like Metagenomics and Metaproteomics for Isolation, Identification, and Characterization of Microbes from Varied Environment

Abstract

Most of the world’s microbial diversity is comprised of culture-independent microorganisms. In the natural environment, 99% of microbes are unculturable, which means that only 1% of microbes are capable of being cultured in a laboratory setting. Consequently, it is necessary to develop culture-independent approaches for the identification and characterization of such microbes and the evaluation of the role they play in the environment. Metagenomics, metaproteomics, etc. technologies are being developed to tackle new challenges and provide alternatives to traditional microbiology. Metagenomics focuses on the genetic and evolutionary relationship, microbial diversity, functional activities, and interaction with varied environments. Similarly, metaproteomics focuses on the protein composition of a complex sample as well as helps in the identification and quantification of protein. Also, metaproteomics detects proteins at a posttranslational level that gives a broader idea of the protein’s function. In this chapter, new developments in techniques like Oxford Nanopore sequencing with advanced bioinformatics tools, metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), and new techniques for the isolation, identification, and characterization of microbes from different environments will be discussed.