Application of phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis in microbial ecology

Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis,based on modern biochemical techniques,is widely used in the research of microbial ecology nowadays.It shows many advantages over the conventional culturing methods such as accurate,quantitative,simple in operation,as well as no strict requirements for the microbial physiological status and sample conservation duration.The information provided by PLFA can present all the viable members of the microbial community.This paper reviewed the principles and applications of PLFA in the research of microbial ecology,including the biomass in the microbial community,the community structure and function and their changes,the indication of certain microbial species or genus,and the nutritional status.