Molecular Microbiology Research 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 39-48 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mmr 46 integration of synthetic microbial communities into broader biological systems holds immense potential for various applications. One promising approach is the use of control engineering principles to design and analyze microbial systems. By applying control theoretical concepts, researchers can guide the design of synthetic biology systems in microbial cells, leading to more robust and predictable outcomes (Perrino et al., 2021). Another key development is the automated design of synthetic microbial communities. This methodology leverages computational tools, such as Bayesian methods, to identify robust candidates for stable community compositions. These communities can mitigate issues often found in monocultures, especially as functional complexity increases (Karkaria et al., 2020). Additionally, the construction of environmental synthetic microbial consortia based on engineering and ecological principles can enhance biological processing efficiencies and reduce the metabolic burden on individual members (Liang et al., 2022). The integration of synthetic microbial communities into industrial microbial systems is also gaining traction. Advances in CRISPR-based genome editing and chromosomal integration techniques enable the reliable expression of genes and pathways, facilitating large-scale and long-term fermentation processes (Li et al., 2019). Furthermore, the development of synthetic biology-inspired strategies for engineering microbial natural product biosynthetic pathways can lead to the discovery of new natural products with enhanced biological properties (Alam et al., 2021). 6.2 Long-term vision for the field and potential breakthroughs The long-term vision for the field of synthetic microbial communities involves harnessing the synergies between systems biology and synthetic biology to address complex biological challenges. For instance, the study of human microbiome communities using next-generation sequencing and computational tools can reveal novel therapeutic and diagnostic interventions. By rewiring the microbiome environment with engineered bacteria and biosensors, researchers can improve human health outcomes (Ezzamouri et al., 2021). One potential breakthrough is the application of synthetic biology tools to engineer microbial communities for biotechnological processes. These tools can expand the functions performed by microbial consortia, enabling the bioproduction of medicines, biofuels, and biomaterials from inexpensive carbon sources (McCarty and Ledesma-Amaro, 2019). Additionally, the development of computational approaches, such as ASTHERISC, for designing multi-strain communities can maximize the thermodynamic driving force for product synthesis, offering new principles for bio-based production processes (Bekiaris and Klamt, 2021). In summary, the integration of synthetic microbial communities into broader biological systems and the continued advancement of synthetic biology tools hold great promise for the future. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize various fields, from industrial biotechnology to human health, by enabling the creation of more efficient, stable, and functional microbial systems. 7 Concluding Remarks 7.1 Summary of key points Synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) have emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing functional synergy in various applications. These communities leverage the natural interactions between microbial species to create robust and stable systems that can outperform monocultures in terms of productivity and functional complexity. The design and engineering of SynComs involve sophisticated methodologies, including computational modeling, quorum sensing, and genetic pathway integration, to ensure stability and desired interactions. In agricultural contexts, SynComs have shown promise in improving crop resiliency and productivity by harnessing beneficial plant-microbe interactions. Additionally, advances in synthetic biology and control engineering have facilitated the integration of complex genetic pathways, enabling the production of valuable biochemicals and pharmaceuticals. 7.2 The overall impact of synthetic microbial communities on science and industry The development of synthetic microbial communities has had a profound impact on both scientific research and
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