Construction of metagenome libraries for use in oil reservoir characterization

Exploration of oil reservoir microbiology is currently being carried out with the prospect of yielding new methods and microbes/enzymes for use in searching for new oil prospects, microbial increased oil recovery and biocatalytic upgrading of oil fraction s. One powerful method for exploring environmental microbial habitats is via the construction and screening of metagenome libraries, which represent the genetic information present in the habitat. In this project we will take on the challenge of construct ing metagenome libraries using DNA isolated from a North Sea oil reservoir. These libraries will be used to characterize the microbial community and bioconversions taking place in the oil reservoir. Characterization of the oil reservoir microbial communit y will provide knowledge which will open up for opportunities of designing molecular probes for use in searching for new oil findings. Furthermore, characterization of bioconversions taking place in the oil reservoir will further advance the knowledge of important processes influencing e.g. oil quality and may also contribute to the identification of novel biocatalysts for use in e.g. biotechnological processes for upgrading oil fractions. StatoilHydro has developed new oil reservoir sampling methods whic h minimize the risk of contamination and physiological change of samples drawn directly from the flow line of producing wells. Using this methodology we will have a unique opportunity to explore the true microbial community of the North Sea oil reservoir. Methods for construction and high throughput screening of metagenome libraries have been developed and used at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and The Foundation for Scientific and Industrial Research at the Norwegian Institute of Technology (SINTEF) over the last few years. In this project we intend to use already established methods as well as developing novel ways of effectively constructing and screening metagenome libraries.