Bioscience Method 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 76-88 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 76 Research Report Open Access Decoding Microbial Interactions: Mechanistic Insights into Engineered SynComs at the Microscopic Level Xiaoqinq Tang Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China Corresponding email: xiaoqing.tang@hibio.org Bioscience Method, 2024, Vol.15, No.1 doi: 10.5376/bm.2024.15.0009 Received: 21 Feb., 2024 Accepted: 01 Apr., 2024 Published: 21 Apr., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Tang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Tang X.Q., 2024, Decoding microbial interactions: mechanistic insights into engineered syncoms at the microscopic level, Bioscience Method, 15(2): 76-88 (doi: 10.5376/bm.2024.15.0009) Abstract This research report provides an in-depth analysis of microbial interactions within engineered synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) at the microscopic level. It explores the molecular and genetic mechanisms regulating these interactions, such as signaling molecules and metabolic exchanges, as well as the impact of environmental factors like nutrient availability, temperature, and pH. The report discusses advanced tools and techniques used to study SynComs, including microscopy, omics technologies, and computational modeling. The practical applications of SynComs in various fields are highlighted, including promoting plant growth and enhancing disease resistance in agriculture; restoring or maintaining healthy microbiota to treat gastrointestinal diseases in medicine; and aiding in bioremediation by degrading pollutants in environmental management. The study aims to synthesize current knowledge and identify research gaps to guide future research and development of SynComs, providing more effective and sustainable solutions in agriculture, medicine, and environmental biotechnology. By integrating insights from multiple disciplines, it offers a holistic perspective on the potential of these engineered communities to advance the understanding of microbial interactions and their practical applications. Keywords Microbial interactions; Synthetic microbial communities (SynComs); Molecular mechanisms; Microbial ecology Microbial interactions are fundamental to the stability and functionality of ecosystems. These interactions include mutualism, where both organisms benefit; commensalism, where one benefits without affecting the other; competition, where both are harmed by the struggle for resources; and predation or parasitism, where one organism benefits at the expense of another. In natural environments, these interactions contribute to processes such as nutrient cycling, decomposition, and the maintenance of biodiversity. For instance, in the rhizosphere, beneficial microbes enhance plant growth by facilitating nutrient uptake and protecting against pathogens, while pathogenic microbes can cause diseases that reduce crop yields (Nawy, 2016; Pacheco and Segrè, 2019). In human health, microbial interactions within the gut microbiota are crucial for digestion, immune system modulation, and protection against pathogens. Disruptions in these interactions can lead to diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and even mental health disorders (Tshikantwa et al., 2018; Weiland-Bräuer, 2021). Engineered synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) are designed consortia of microorganisms that are assembled to perform specific functions or enhance certain traits. The development of SynComs involves selecting microbial species based on their functional traits, interactions, and compatibility with the target environment. These communities are constructed using tools from synthetic biology, genetic engineering, and microbial ecology. SynComs have been applied in various fields, including agriculture, medicine, and environmental biotechnology. In agriculture, SynComs can improve plant growth and resistance to diseases by promoting beneficial plant-microbe interactions and suppressing pathogens. For example, SynComs designed for the rhizosphere can enhance nutrient uptake and plant growth, leading to increased crop yields and resilience to environmental stressors (Arnault et al., 2023; Martins et al., 2023).In human health, SynComs are being explored as therapeutic agents to restore or maintain a healthy microbiota. For instance, SynComs derived from gut microbiota can be used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, such as infections and inflammatory bowel diseases, by re-establishing beneficial microbial interactions and functions (Jennings and Clavel, 2023; van Leeuwen et al., 2023).
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