Abstract:

PCR-DGGE technique is a recently emerging tool in microbial ecology. In this paper, the principle and background of PCR-DGGE are introduced. Meanwhile, the design and choice of PCR primers are summarized in investigation of fungal community in fermented food and feedstuff. Moreover, the experimental procedure to obtain DNA sequence information from DGGE profiles is demonstrated. Furthermore, limitations and optimization strategies of DGGE are also listed. This paper will be helpful for establishing a feasible PCR-DGGE protocol to detect fungal community structure and deduce succession pattern during fermentation process or in fermented products.

Key words: denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), fermented foodstuff, fungal community, PCR primers