This Volume features protocols for investigating the hydrocarbon- and lipid-specific activities of microbes. They include methods for studying chemotaxis, the colonisation of hydrocarbon surfaces, hydrocarbon uptake, respiration, nitrogen fixation, sulphate reduction, membrane stabilisation through cis-trans isomerisation of membrane fatty acids, and the production of biosurfactants and biopolymers in response to the presence of hydrocarbons. A protocol for studying the ability of microbes to control the concentration of hydrocarbons in their aqueous environment is also described, and phenotyping methods to reveal microbes' more general metabolic activities are presented. Several protocols for investigating acid production in connection with oil souring and biocorrosion by microbes in oil well, oil transportation and storage settings are presented. Lastly, protocols for measuring methanogenesis, as an example of microbial hydrocarbon production, are described.<
Hydrocarbon and Lipid Microbiology ProtocolsThere are tens of thousands of structurally different hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon derivatives and lipids, and a wide array of these molecules are required for cells to function. The global hydrocarbon cycle, which is largely driven by microorganisms, has a major impact on our environment and climate. Microbes are responsible for cleaning up the environmental pollution caused by the exploitation of hydrocarbon reservoirs and will also be pivotal in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels by providing biofuels, plastics and industrial chemicals. Gaining an understanding of the relevant functions of the wide range of microbes that produce, consume and modify hydrocarbons and related compounds will be key to responding to these challenges. This comprehensive collection of current and emerging protocols will facilitate acquisition of this understanding and exploitation of useful activities of such microbes.

Introduction

Protocols for the measurement of bacterial chemotaxis to hydrocarbons
Determining the tendency of microorganisms to interact with hydrocarbon phases
Protocols for measuring biosurfactant production in microbial cultures
Protocol for the measurement of hydrocarbon transport in bacteria
Bacterial solvent response and tolerance: cis-trans isomerization
Analysis of PHB metabolism applying Tn5 mutagenesis in Ralstonia eutropha
 Phenotyping microarrays for the characterization of environmental microorganisms
Control of the concentration of aquatic hydrocarbons by microorganisms
Protocols for measuring methanogenesis
Respiration rate determined by phosphorescence-based sensors
Measuring the impact of hydrocarbons on rates of nitrogen fixation
Protocols for measuring activity of sulphate-reducing bacteria in water injection systems
Protocol for evaluating the biological stability of fuel formulations and their relationship to carbon steel biocorrosion
Laboratory protocols for investigating microbial souring and potential treatments in crude oil reservoirs.