MiniBioReactor Arrays (MBRAs) as a Tool for Studying C. difficile Physiology in the Presence of a Complex Community

Methods Mol Biol. 2016:1476:235-58. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6361-4_18.

Abstract

The commensal microbiome plays an important role in the dynamics of Clostridium difficile infection. In this chapter, we describe minibioreactor arrays (MBRAs), an in vitro cultivation system that we developed that allows for C. difficile physiology to be assayed in the presence of complex fecal microbial communities. The small size of the bioreactors within the MBRAs allows for dozens of reactors to be run simultaneously and therefore several different variables can be tested with limited time and cost. When coupled with experiments in animal models of C. difficile infection, MBRAs can provide important insights into C. difficile physiology and pathogenesis.

Keywords: Bioreactors; Clostridium difficile; In vitro; Microbial ecology; Microbiome.

MeSH terms

  • Anaerobiosis
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Bioreactors
  • Clindamycin / analogs & derivatives
  • Clindamycin / pharmacology
  • Clostridioides difficile / drug effects*
  • Clostridioides difficile / growth & development
  • Clostridioides difficile / pathogenicity
  • Culture Media / chemistry
  • Culture Media / pharmacology*
  • Equipment Design
  • Feces / microbiology
  • Fermentation
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome / drug effects*
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome / physiology
  • Humans
  • Microbial Consortia / drug effects*
  • Microbial Consortia / physiology
  • Models, Biological*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Culture Media
  • Clindamycin
  • clindamycin phosphate