Makroporöse Silikonschwämme zur Erforschung unbekannter Mikroben

Microorganisms are the most abundant living organisms on Earth and are essential for the functioning of ecosystems. However, more than 99 percent of them are uncharacterized and are referred to as microbial dark matter (MDM). Their discovery is limited partly due to the lack of suitable cultivation methods. A novel cultivation method using a macroporous silicon matrix addresses this problem. Its applicability has been demonstrated in the laboratory with model organisms and in three natural environments.