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Bozan M, Berreth H, Lindberg P, Bühler K. Cyanobacterial biofilms: from natural systems to applications. Trends Biotechnol 2024:S0167-7799(24)00215-4. [PMID: 39214791 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are the ancestors of oxygenic photosynthesis. Fueled by light and water, their ability to reduce CO2 to sugar holds potential for carbon-neutral production processes. Due to challenges connected to cultivation and engineering issues, cyanobiotechnology has yet to be able to establish itself broadly in industry. In recent years, applying cyanobacterial biofilms as whole-cell biocatalysts instead of suspension cultures has emerged as a novel concept to counteract low cell densities and low reaction stability, critical challenges in cyanobacterial applications. This review explores the potential of cyanobacterial biofilms for biotechnology and bioremediation. It briefly introduces cyanobacteria as primary producers in natural structured microbial communities; describes various applications in biotechnology and bioremediation; and discusses innovations, challenges, and future trends in this exciting research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahir Bozan
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz - Center for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hannah Berreth
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz - Center for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Pia Lindberg
- Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Katja Bühler
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz - Center for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany.
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Pontrelli S, Szabo R, Pollak S, Schwartzman J, Ledezma-Tejeida D, Cordero OX, Sauer U. Metabolic cross-feeding structures the assembly of polysaccharide degrading communities. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabk3076. [PMID: 35196097 PMCID: PMC8865766 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abk3076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic processes that fuel the growth of heterotrophic microbial communities are initiated by specialized biopolymer degraders that decompose complex forms of organic matter. It is unclear, however, to what extent degraders structure the downstream assembly of the community that follows polymer breakdown. Investigating a model marine microbial community that degrades chitin, we show that chitinases secreted by different degraders produce oligomers of specific chain lengths that not only select for specialized consumers but also influence the metabolites secreted by these consumers into a shared resource pool. Each species participating in the breakdown cascade exhibits unique hierarchical preferences for substrates, which underlies the sequential colonization of metabolically distinct groups as resource availability changes over time. By identifying the metabolic underpinnings of microbial community assembly, we reveal a hierarchical cross-feeding structure that allows biopolymer degraders to shape the dynamics of community assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sammy Pontrelli
- Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zürich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Rachel Szabo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Microbiology Graduate Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Shaul Pollak
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Julia Schwartzman
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Otto X. Cordero
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Uwe Sauer
- Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zürich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
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Ataeian M, Vadlamani A, Haines M, Mosier D, Dong X, Kleiner M, Strous M, Hawley AK. Proteome and strain analysis of cyanobacterium Candidatus "Phormidium alkaliphilum" reveals traits for success in biotechnology. iScience 2021; 24:103405. [PMID: 34877483 PMCID: PMC8633866 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria encompass a diverse group of photoautotrophic bacteria with important roles in nature and biotechnology. Here we characterized Candidatus “Phormidium alkaliphilum,” an abundant member in alkaline soda lake microbial communities globally. The complete, circular whole-genome sequence of Ca. “P. alkaliphilum” was obtained using combined Nanopore and Illumina sequencing of a Ca. “P. alkaliphilum” consortium. Strain-level diversity of Ca. “P. alkaliphilum” was shown to contribute to photobioreactor robustness under different operational conditions. Comparative genomics of closely related species showed that adaptation to high pH was not attributed to specific genes. Proteomics at high and low pH showed only minimal changes in gene expression, but higher productivity in high pH. Diverse photosystem antennae proteins, and high-affinity terminal oxidase, compared with other soda lake cyanobacteria, appear to contribute to the success of Ca. “P. alkaliphilum” in photobioreactors and biotechnology applications. Closed genome of the cyanobacteria Ca. P. alkaliphilum from high-pH photobioreactor Genetic factors lead this Phormidium to outcompete other cyanobacteria in photobioreactor Adaptation to high pH and alkalinity is not linked to specific genes Strain-level diversity contributes Ca. P. alkaliphilum success in changing conditions
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Ataeian
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Marianne Haines
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Damon Mosier
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Xiaoli Dong
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Manuel Kleiner
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Marc Strous
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Alyse K. Hawley
- Department of Geoscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC, Canada
- Corresponding author
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Saccò M, White NE, Harrod C, Salazar G, Aguilar P, Cubillos CF, Meredith K, Baxter BK, Oren A, Anufriieva E, Shadrin N, Marambio-Alfaro Y, Bravo-Naranjo V, Allentoft ME. Salt to conserve: a review on the ecology and preservation of hypersaline ecosystems. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:2828-2850. [PMID: 34747117 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
When it comes to the investigation of key ecosystems in the world, we often omit salt from the ecological recipe. In fact, despite occupying almost half of the volume of inland waters and providing crucial services to humanity and nature, inland saline ecosystems are often overlooked in discussions regarding the preservation of global aquatic resources of our planet. As a result, our knowledge of the biological and geochemical dynamics shaping these environments remains incomplete and we are hesitant in framing effective protective strategies against the increasing natural and anthropogenic threats faced by such habitats. Hypersaline lakes, water bodies where the concentration of salt exceeds 35 g/l, occur mainly in arid and semiarid areas resulting from hydrological imbalances triggering the accumulation of salts over time. Often considered the 'exotic siblings' within the family of inland waters, these ecosystems host some of the most extremophile communities worldwide and provide essential habitats for waterbirds and many other organisms in already water-stressed regions. These systems are often highlighted as natural laboratories, ideal for addressing central ecological questions due to their relatively low complexity and simple food web structures. However, recent studies on the biogeochemical mechanisms framing hypersaline communities have challenged this archetype, arguing that newly discovered highly diverse communities are characterised by specific trophic interactions shaped by high levels of specialisation. The main goal of this review is to explore our current understanding of the ecological dynamics of hypersaline ecosystems by addressing four main research questions: (i) why are hypersaline lakes unique from a biological and geochemical perspective; (ii) which biota inhabit these ecosystems and how have they adapted to the high salt conditions; (iii) how do we protect biodiversity from increasing natural and anthropogenic threats; and (iv) which scientific tools will help us preserve hypersaline ecosystems in the future? First, we focus on the ecological characterisation of hypersaline ecosystems, illustrate hydrogeochemical dynamics regulating such environments, and outline key ecoregions supporting hypersaline systems across the globe. Second, we depict the diversity and functional aspects of key taxa found in hypersaline lakes, from microorganisms to plants, invertebrates, waterbirds and upper trophic levels. Next, we describe ecosystem services and discuss possible conservation guidelines. Finally, we outline how cutting-edge technologies can provide new insights into the study of hypersaline ecology. Overall, this review sheds further light onto these understudied ecosystems, largely unrecognised as important sources of unique biological and functional diversity. We provide perspectives for key future research avenues, and advocate that the conservation of hypersaline lakes should not be taken with 'a grain of salt'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Saccò
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Nicole E White
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Chris Harrod
- Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Angamos 601, Antofagasta, Chile.,Núcleo Milenio INVASAL, Concepción, 3349001, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Salazar
- Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Angamos 601, Antofagasta, Chile.,Núcleo Milenio INVASAL, Concepción, 3349001, Chile
| | - Pablo Aguilar
- Núcleo Milenio INVASAL, Concepción, 3349001, Chile.,Laboratorio de Complejidad Microbiana y Ecología Funcional, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Angamos 601, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Carolina F Cubillos
- Laboratorio de Complejidad Microbiana y Ecología Funcional, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Angamos 601, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Karina Meredith
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Bonnie K Baxter
- Great Salt Lake Institute, Westminster College, Salt Lake City, UT, 84105, U.S.A
| | - Aharon Oren
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, The Institute of Life Sciences, the Edmond J. Safra Campus, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
| | - Elena Anufriieva
- A.O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas, Russian Academy of Sciences, 2 Nakhimov Avenue 2, Sevastopol, 299011, Russia
| | - Nickolai Shadrin
- A.O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas, Russian Academy of Sciences, 2 Nakhimov Avenue 2, Sevastopol, 299011, Russia
| | - Yeri Marambio-Alfaro
- Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Angamos 601, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Víctor Bravo-Naranjo
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Serena, Benavente 980, La Serena, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Morten E Allentoft
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Lab, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia.,Lundbeck Foundation GeoGenetics Centre, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5-7, Copenhagen, Denmark
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