Bioscience Method 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 76-88 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 81 conditions, microbes often engage in cooperative interactions to share resources. For instance, in environments where certain nutrients are scarce, microbes capable of producing essential metabolites can support the growth of other community members that lack these capabilities. This metabolic cooperation enhances the overall stability and functionality of the community (Mendes-Soares et al., 2016). Temperature and pH also significantly influence microbial interactions. Variations in temperature can affect the activity and stability of enzymes, thereby altering metabolic processes and interaction dynamics within microbial communities. For instance, some quorum sensing molecules exhibit optimal activity at specific temperature ranges, influencing the regulation of communal behaviors such as biofilm formation and virulence factor production (Neuman et al., 2015). Similarly, pH levels can impact microbial interactions by affecting the solubility and availability of nutrients and signaling molecules. Microbes adapted to acidic or alkaline environments often possess unique mechanisms to cope with pH stress, which can influence their interactions with other species. For example, certain bacteria produce acid or alkali to inhibit the growth of competitors, thereby securing their niche within the community (Braga et al., 2016). The presence of other organisms, including plants and animals, can also modulate microbial interactions. Host organisms often provide specific niches and resources that shape the composition and interactions of associated microbial communities. For example, the gut microbiota is influenced by the host's diet, immune responses, and genetic factors, which in turn affect the interactions among microbial species within the gut ecosystem (Org et al., 2015). In summary, environmental factors such as nutrient availability, temperature, pH, and the presence of other organisms play critical roles in shaping microbial interactions. These factors influence the metabolic activities, communication pathways, and overall dynamics of microbial communities, highlighting the complexity of microbial ecosystems and the importance of studying these interactions in diverse environmental contexts. 4 Case Studies of Engineered SynComs 4.1 SynComs for bioremediation Synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) have shown significant promise in bioremediation, where engineered communities are used to degrade pollutants. These SynComs can be designed to break down complex organic contaminants in soil and water effectively. For instance, a SynCom engineered with specific microbial species was found effective in degrading petroleum hydrocarbons, thereby enhancing the natural attenuation processes. This approach not only accelerates the cleanup of oil spills but also reduces the ecological impact of these pollutants (Zengler et al., 2018). SynComs have been developed to remediate heavy metal contamination. Certain microbial consortia are engineered to biosorb and precipitate heavy metals, thus reducing their mobility and toxicity in contaminated environments. For example, a SynCom designed to include metal-resistant bacteria was successful in immobilizing cadmium and lead in polluted soils, preventing these metals from entering the food chain (Lovley et al., 2019). Bioremediation using SynComs also extends to the degradation of organic pollutants like pesticides and industrial solvents. By engineering microbial communities that can metabolize these compounds, it is possible to detoxify environments and restore them to their natural state (Deng et al., 2020). 4.2 SynComs in agriculture In agriculture, SynComs are engineered to promote plant health and increase crop yields. These microbial consortia enhance nutrient availability, suppress plant pathogens, and improve plant resilience to environmental stresses. SynComs have been successfully applied to improve nitrogen fixation in leguminous plants, significantly enhancing growth and productivity. For example, a study demonstrated that a SynCom designed to enhance nitrogen fixation in soybeans resulted in a 20% increase in yield under nutrient-poor conditions (Figure 3) (de Souza et al., 2020). Moreover, SynComs designed to include plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been effective in various crops, such as wheat, rice, and tomatoes. These SynComs help in nutrient uptake, disease resistance, and stress tolerance. For instance, a SynCom designed for tomato plants not only increased growth and yield but also
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