In this edition, we spotlight groundbreaking partnerships that harness large, cross-company datasets to deliver insights with far-reaching impact. Traditionally, field sampling results remain siloed by site, but when data from multiple projects is combined, the possibilities for innovation multiply.
Discover how two major advancements in environmental remediation and oil field corrosion management are driving progress across industries. These success stories demonstrate the incredible potential of shared knowledge to shape the future.
Estimating Toluene Biodegradation Rate Constants Using qPCR Data
Project Summary: In a groundbreaking study, Pilloni et al. (2025) introduced a powerful new equation to estimate first-order rate constants for anaerobic toluene biodegradation using just two key inputs: toluene concentration and the abundance of the benzylsuccinate synthase gene (bssA). This innovative approach was validated against field-scale qPCR and contaminant data from the Microbial Insights Database, alongside benchmark datasets from published field sites. The result? A reliable, science-backed method for predicting biodegradation rates.
Key Benefit: bssA qPCR data can be used to predict toluene biodegradation rates, providing a quantitative third line of evidence for natural attenuation and site management decision making.
Learn More: Watch the webinar recording “Improving the Impact of Molecular Biology Data for Groundwater Remediation” presented by Giovanni Pilloni of ExxonMobil Environmental and Property Solutions Company.
Try It Out: The rate constant calculator using bssA qPCR data is now available on our website.
Harnessing Large Datasets for Biomarker Discovery
Project Summary: To discover biomarkers that are highly correlated with the occurrence of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) in oil field operations, a joint industry project (JIP) led by DNV, ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, and Microbial Insights was established: Biomarkers for Next-Generation, Water-Based Detection and Monitoring of MIC. The JIP assembles industry experts on MIC, microbial ecology, oil field corrosion and oil field chemicals from within its participant companies to unravel the most relevant microbial degradation mechanisms in carbon steel infrastructure.
Key Benefit: Prior efforts from members of the team have already resulted in the discovery and qPCR assay development for the micC and micH genes, globally relevant MIC biomarkers. This group is attempting to identify even more genes that generate key performance indicators for operators.
Learn More: Watch the webinar recording “Developing the next generation of MIC detection and monitoring technologies” presented by Sven Lahme of ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company.
Try It Out: The micC and micH qPCR assays are included in the QuantArray®-MIC suite. More biomarkers to come!
Team With Microbial Insights to Turn Data into Actionable Insights
Take advantage of cutting-edge tools and resources designed to accelerate your success:
- bssA Rate Constant Calculator – Predict anaerobic toluene biodegradation rates with confidence.
- QuantArray®-MIC Analysis – Get comprehensive microbial community insights for informed decision-making.
- Microbial Insights Database – Add context and clarity to your qPCR results with industry-leading benchmarks.
- Microbial Insights Assay Design – Work with MI’s R&D team to develop a qPCR assay for a specific organism or gene of interest.
Ready to go further? If your organization wants to unlock the full potential of your datasets and uncover broader trends in microbial processes, our team is here to help. Let’s collaborate to drive innovation and impact.
If you would like to discuss a potential collaboration, please contact us at 865-573-8188 or [email protected].
