| To explore the microbial diversity at deep sea vents, molecular techniques based on the analysis of the gene coding the 16S ribosomal RNA permitted to highlight a large archaeal and bacterial diversity. Nevertheless, the diversity of the hydrothermal microorganisms cultivated to date remains much lower than the diversity described with molecular tools. Innovative methods should therefore be used in order to cultivate new microorganisms, and also determine their metabolic properties and their potential role in the ecosystem. That was the purpose of this study: a bioreactor gas-lift was used to perform enrichment cultures in continuous, during 50 days, in thermophilic (60°C) and hyperthermophilic (90°C) conditions. A hydrothermal chimney sample (Rainbow... |
