Tackling industrial microbial control challenges with complimentary DNA and RNA sequencing technologies: An exemplary brewery story

Microbial contamination of aqueous solutions is a common problem in many industries and causes substantial fiscal loss. Issues associated with microbial growth include direct spoilage of product and fouling or corrosion of equipment and conveyance mechanisms such as pipes. One of the biggest roadblocks with microbial control is not knowing what (or who) you are dealing with, as well as where the microbes are coming from. In this presentation we will discuss how DNA-based microbial profiling can be used to determine the extent and source of the problem in order to triage appropriate control measures.  Additionally, using the brewing industry as an example, we will outline steps that can be used to start to understand how spoilage is occurring using RNA sequencing technologies. Knowing how organisms are able to grow in specific environments and cause spoilage or fouling is particularly important for improving or addressing microbial quality control.