DNA microarray applications in environmental microbiology

Although the majority of microarray reports are concerned with gene expression profiling in health-related studies, the use of DNA microarray technology is expanding into new fields and new applications. In environmental microbiology, developments are also focusing on the detection of specific sequences in complex environmental samples and on genomic comparisons. Despite the fact that some limitations still exist, microarrays offer several advantages over the more traditional approaches. In this review, we will present examples of specific applications of this exciting new technology relating to the better understanding of the microbial world, with particular emphasis on strain detection, as well as the assessment of microbial diversity, adaptation, and evolution.