Optimised human stool sample collection for multi-omic microbiota analysis

To accurately define the role of the gut microbiota in health and disease pathogenesis, the preservation of stool sample integrity, in terms of microbial community composition and metabolic function, is critical. This presents a challenge for any studies which rely on participants self-collecting and returning stool samples as this introduces variability and uncertainty of sample storage/handling. Here, we tested the performance of three stool sample collection/preservation buffers when storing human stool samples at different temperatures (room temperature [20 °C], 4 °C and – 80 °C) for up to three days. We compared and quantified differences in 16S rRNA sequencing composition and short-chain fatty acid profiles compared against immediately snap-frozen stool. We found that the choice of preservation buffer had the largest effect on the resulting microbial community and metabolomic profiles. Collectively analysis confirmed that PSP and RNAlater buffered samples most closely recapitulated the microbial diversity profile of the original (immediately – 80 °C frozen) sample and should be prioritised for human stool microbiome studies.