Abstract: A method includes reconstituting a lyophilized microbial community. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is extracted from at least one targeted microbe in the reconstituted microbial community at a plurality of selected time periods. The RNA as extracted at the selected time period is subjected to a multiplex analyzer and determining RNA concentrations at the plurality of selected time periods. An increase in the RNA concentration from a first of the plurality of selected time periods to a second of the plurality of time periods indicates RNA expression from the at least one targeted microbe. RNA expression from the at least one targeted microbe indicates that the at least one targeted microbe is a living microbe.