Protein-SIP in environmental studies

Abstract

Metaproteomics coupled to stable isotope probing (SIP) was established to detect metabolically active key players in microbial communities. Here, we discuss the current state of protein-based stable isotope probing (protein-SIP) and the perspectives of using different stable isotope atoms (i.e. ¹³C, ¹⁵N, ¹⁸O, ^34/36S), multiple isotope labelling, the utilisation of substrates of major abundance and micro-pollutants [pesticides, herbicides and pharmaceuticals present in the environment at very low concentrations (ngμg/L)], and applications in complex model systems and in situ studies in the environment.