1
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Agarwal K, Mehta SK, Mondal PK. Unveiling nutrient flow-mediated stress in plant roots using an on-chip phytofluidic device. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:3775-3789. [PMID: 38952240 DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00180j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
The initial emergence of the primary root from a germinating seed is a pivotal phase that influences a plant's survival. Abiotic factors such as pH, nutrient availability, and soil composition significantly affect root morphology and architecture. Of particular interest is the impact of nutrient flow on thigmomorphogenesis, a response to mechanical stimulation in early root growth, which remains largely unexplored. This study explores the intricate factors influencing early root system development, with a focus on the cooperative correlation between nutrient uptake and its flow dynamics. Using a physiologically as well as ecologically relevant, portable, and cost-effective microfluidic system for the controlled fluid environments offering hydraulic conductivity comparable to that of the soil, this study analyzes the interplay between nutrient flow and root growth post-germination. Emphasizing the relationship between root growth and nitrogen uptake, the findings reveal that nutrient flow significantly influences early root morphology, leading to increased length and improved nutrient uptake, varying with the flow rate. The experimental findings are supported by mechanical and plant stress-related fluid flow-root interaction simulations and quantitative determination of nitrogen uptake using the total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) method. The microfluidic approach offers novel insights into plant root dynamics under controlled flow conditions, filling a critical research gap. By providing a high-resolution platform, this study contributes to the understanding of how fluid-flow-assisted nutrient uptake and pressure affect root cell behavior, which, in turn, induces mechanical stress leading to thigmomorphogenesis. The findings hold implications for comprehending root responses to changing environmental conditions, paving the way for innovative agricultural and environmental management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushal Agarwal
- School of Agro and Rural Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati-781039, India.
| | - Sumit Kumar Mehta
- Microfluidics and Microscale Transport Processes Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati-781039, India
| | - Pranab Kumar Mondal
- School of Agro and Rural Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati-781039, India.
- Microfluidics and Microscale Transport Processes Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati-781039, India
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2
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Filan C, Green M, Diering A, Cicerone MT, Cheung LS, Kostka JE, Robles FE. Label-free functional analysis of root-associated microbes with dynamic quantitative oblique back-illumination microscopy. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5812. [PMID: 38461279 PMCID: PMC10925023 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56443-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing global demand for food, coupled with concerns about the environmental impact of synthetic fertilizers, underscores the urgency of developing sustainable agricultural practices. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, known as diazotrophs, offer a potential solution by converting atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilizers. However, a deeper understanding of their interactions with plants and other microbes is needed. In this study, we introduce a recently developed label-free 3D quantitative phase imaging technology called dynamic quantitative oblique back-illumination microscopy (DqOBM) to assess the functional dynamic activity of diazotrophs in vitro and in situ. Our experiments involved three different diazotrophs (Sinorhizobium meliloti, Azotobacter vinelandii, and Rahnella aquatilis) cultured on media with amendments of carbon and nitrogen sources. Over 5 days, we observed increased dynamics in nutrient-amended media. These results suggest that the observed bacterial dynamics correlate with their metabolic activity. Furthermore, we applied qOBM to visualize microbial dynamics within the root cap and elongation zone of Arabidopsis thaliana primary roots. This allowed us to identify distinct areas of microbial infiltration in plant roots without the need for fluorescent markers. Our findings demonstrate that DqOBM can effectively characterize microbial dynamics and provide insights into plant-microbe interactions in situ, offering a valuable tool for advancing our understanding of sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Filan
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30318, USA
| | - Madison Green
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30318, USA
| | - Abigail Diering
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Marcus T Cicerone
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Lily S Cheung
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Joel E Kostka
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30318, USA
| | - Francisco E Robles
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30318, USA.
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3
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Filan C, Green M, Diering A, Cicerone MT, Cheung LS, Kostka JE, Robles FE. Label-Free Functional Analysis of Root-Associated Microbes with Dynamic Quantitative Oblique Back-illumination Microscopy. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3517586. [PMID: 37961396 PMCID: PMC10635382 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3517586/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The increasing global demand for food, coupled with concerns about the environmental impact of synthetic fertilizers, underscores the urgency of developing sustainable agricultural practices. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, known as diazotrophs, offer a potential solution by converting atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilizers. However, a deeper understanding of their interactions with plants and other microbes is needed. In this study, we introduce a recently developed label-free 3D quantitative phase imaging technology called dynamic quantitative oblique back-illumination microscopy (DqOBM) to assess the dynamic activity of diazotrophs in vitro and in situ. Our experiments involved three different diazotrophs (Sinorhizobium meliloti, Azotobacter vinelandii, and Rahnella aquatilis) cultured on media with amendments of carbon and nitrogen sources. Over five days, we observed increased dynamic activity in nutrient-amended media. These results suggest that the observed bacterial dynamics correlate with their metabolic activity. Furthermore, we applied qOBM to visualize bacterial activity within the root cap and elongation zone of Arabidopsis thaliana primary roots. This allowed us to identify distinct areas of microbial infiltration in plant roots without the need for fluorescent markers. Our findings demonstrate that DqOBM can effectively characterize microbial activity and provide insights into plant-microbe interactions in situ, offering a valuable tool for advancing our understanding of sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Filan
- Georgia Institute of Technology, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Atlanta, GA, 30318, USA
| | - Madison Green
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Biological Sciences, Atlanta, GA, 30318, USA
| | - Abigail Diering
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Marcus T. Cicerone
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Lily S. Cheung
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Joel E. Kostka
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Biological Sciences, Atlanta, GA, 30318, USA
| | - Francisco E. Robles
- Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Atlanta, GA, 30318, USA
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4
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Bhattacharyya A, Mavrodi O, Bhowmik N, Weller D, Thomashow L, Mavrodi D. Bacterial biofilms as an essential component of rhizosphere plant-microbe interactions. METHODS IN MICROBIOLOGY 2023; 53:3-48. [PMID: 38415193 PMCID: PMC10898258 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mim.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Bhattacharyya
- School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - Olga Mavrodi
- School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - Niladri Bhowmik
- School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - David Weller
- USDA-ARS Wheat Health, Genetics and Quality Research Unit, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Linda Thomashow
- USDA-ARS Wheat Health, Genetics and Quality Research Unit, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Dmitri Mavrodi
- School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
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5
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Kaiser CF, Perilli A, Grossmann G, Meroz Y. Studying root-environment interactions in structured microdevices. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023:erad122. [PMID: 37042515 PMCID: PMC10353529 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
In negotiating with the environment, plant roots integrate sensory information over space and time, as the basis of decision making in roots under non-uniform conditions. The complexity and dynamic properties of soil across spatial and temporal scales pose a significant technical challenge for research on mechanisms that drive metabolism, growth and development in roots, as well as on inter-organismal networks in the rhizosphere. Synthetic environments, combining microscopic access and manipulation capabilities with soil-like heterogeneity, are needed to elucidate the intriguing tug-of-war that characterises subsurface ecosystems. Microdevices have provided opportunities for innovative approaches to observe, analyse and manipulate plant roots and advanced our understanding of their development, physiology and interactions with the environment. Initially conceived as perfusion platforms for root cultivation under hydroponic conditions, microdevice design has, in recent years, increasingly shifted to better reflect the complex growth conditions in soil. Heterogeneous micro-environments have been created through co-cultivation with microbes, laminar flow-based local stimulation and physical obstacles and constraints. As such, structured microdevices provide an experimental entry point to the complex network behaviour of soil communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian-Frederic Kaiser
- Institute of Cell and Interaction Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstrasse 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- CEPLAS - Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstrasse 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alessia Perilli
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Guido Grossmann
- Institute of Cell and Interaction Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstrasse 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- CEPLAS - Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstrasse 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Yasmine Meroz
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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6
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Neelam A, Tabassum S. Optical Sensing Technologies to Elucidate the Interplay between Plant and Microbes. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:195. [PMID: 36677256 PMCID: PMC9866067 DOI: 10.3390/mi14010195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Plant-microbe interactions are critical for ecosystem functioning and driving rhizosphere processes. To fully understand the communication pathways between plants and rhizosphere microbes, it is crucial to measure the numerous processes that occur in the plant and the rhizosphere. The present review first provides an overview of how plants interact with their surrounding microbial communities, and in turn, are affected by them. Next, different optical biosensing technologies that elucidate the plant-microbe interactions and provide pathogenic detection are summarized. Currently, most of the biosensors used for detecting plant parameters or microbial communities in soil are centered around genetically encoded optical and electrochemical biosensors that are often not suitable for field applications. Such sensors require substantial effort and cost to develop and have their limitations. With a particular focus on the detection of root exudates and phytohormones under biotic and abiotic stress conditions, novel low-cost and in-situ biosensors must become available to plant scientists.
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7
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Highmore CJ, Melaugh G, Morris RJ, Parker J, Direito SOL, Romero M, Soukarieh F, Robertson SN, Bamford NC. Translational challenges and opportunities in biofilm science: a BRIEF for the future. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2022; 8:68. [PMID: 36038607 PMCID: PMC9424220 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-022-00327-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are increasingly recognised as a critical global issue in a multitude of industries impacting health, food and water security, marine sector, and industrial processes resulting in estimated economic cost of $5 trillion USD annually. A major barrier to the translation of biofilm science is the gap between industrial practices and academic research across the biofilms field. Therefore, there is an urgent need for biofilm research to notice and react to industrially relevant issues to achieve transferable outputs. Regulatory frameworks necessarily bridge gaps between different players, but require a clear, science-driven non-biased underpinning to successfully translate research. Here we introduce a 2-dimensional framework, termed the Biofilm Research-Industrial Engagement Framework (BRIEF) for classifying existing biofilm technologies according to their level of scientific insight, including the understanding of the underlying biofilm system, and their industrial utility accounting for current industrial practices. We evidence the BRIEF with three case studies of biofilm science across healthcare, food & agriculture, and wastewater sectors highlighting the multifaceted issues around the effective translation of biofilm research. Based on these studies, we introduce some advisory guidelines to enhance the translational impact of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Highmore
- NBIC Interdisciplinary Research Fellows, UK National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC), Southampton, UK.,School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ, Southampton, UK
| | - G Melaugh
- NBIC Interdisciplinary Research Fellows, UK National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC), Southampton, UK.,School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, UK.,School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, UK
| | - R J Morris
- NBIC Interdisciplinary Research Fellows, UK National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC), Southampton, UK.,School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, UK
| | - J Parker
- NBIC Interdisciplinary Research Fellows, UK National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC), Southampton, UK.,School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ, Southampton, UK
| | - S O L Direito
- NBIC Interdisciplinary Research Fellows, UK National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC), Southampton, UK.,School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, UK
| | - M Romero
- NBIC Interdisciplinary Research Fellows, UK National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC), Southampton, UK.,Biodiscovery Institute, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, Nottingham, UK
| | - F Soukarieh
- NBIC Interdisciplinary Research Fellows, UK National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC), Southampton, UK.,Biodiscovery Institute, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, Nottingham, UK
| | - S N Robertson
- NBIC Interdisciplinary Research Fellows, UK National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC), Southampton, UK. .,Biodiscovery Institute, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, Nottingham, UK.
| | - N C Bamford
- NBIC Interdisciplinary Research Fellows, UK National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC), Southampton, UK. .,Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK.
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8
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Fessia A, Barra P, Barros G, Nesci A. Could Bacillus biofilms enhance the effectivity of biocontrol strategies in the phyllosphere? J Appl Microbiol 2022; 133:2148-2166. [PMID: 35476896 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays L.), a major crop in Argentina and a staple food around the world, is affected by the emergence and re-emergence of foliar diseases. Agrochemicals are the main control strategy nowadays, but they can cause resistance in insects and microbial pathogens and have negative effects on the environment and human health. An emerging alternative is the use of living organisms, i.e. microbial biocontrol agents, to suppress plant pathogen populations. This is a risk-free approach when the organisms acting as biocontrol agents come from the same ecosystem as the foliar pathogens they are meant to antagonize. Some epiphytic microorganisms may form biofilm by becoming aggregated and attached to a surface, as is the case of spore-forming bacteria from the genus Bacillus. Their ability to sporulate and their tolerance to long storage periods make them a frequently used biocontrol agent. Moreover, the biofilm that they create protects them against different abiotic and biotic factors and helps them to acquire nutrients, which ensures their survival on the plants they protect. This review analyzes the interactions that the phyllosphere-inhabiting Bacillus genus establishes with its environment through biofilm, and how this lifestyle could serve to design effective biological control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aluminé Fessia
- Laboratorio de Ecología Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físico-Químicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ruta Nacional 36, Km 601, X5804ZAB Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Paula Barra
- Laboratorio de Ecología Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físico-Químicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ruta Nacional 36, Km 601, X5804ZAB Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Germán Barros
- Laboratorio de Ecología Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físico-Químicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ruta Nacional 36, Km 601, X5804ZAB Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Andrea Nesci
- Laboratorio de Ecología Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físico-Químicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ruta Nacional 36, Km 601, X5804ZAB Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
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9
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Aufrecht J, Khalid M, Walton CL, Tate K, Cahill JF, Retterer ST. Hotspots of root-exuded amino acids are created within a rhizosphere-on-a-chip. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:954-963. [PMID: 35089295 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00705j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The rhizosphere is a challenging ecosystem to study from a systems biology perspective due to its diverse chemical, physical, and biological characteristics. In the past decade, microfluidic platforms (e.g. plant-on-a-chip) have created an alternative way to study whole rhizosphere organisms, like plants and microorganisms, under reduced-complexity conditions. However, in reducing the complexity of the environment, it is possible to inadvertently alter organism phenotype, which biases laboratory data compared to in situ experiments. To build back some of the complexity of the rhizosphere in a fully-defined, parameterized approach we have developed a rhizosphere-on-a-chip platform that mimics the physical structure of soil. We demonstrate, through computational simulation, how this synthetic soil structure can influence the emergence of molecular "hotspots" and "hotmoments" that arise naturally from the plant's exudation of labile carbon compounds. We establish the amenability of the rhizosphere-on-a-chip for long-term culture of Brachypodium distachyon, and experimentally validate the presence of exudate hotspots within the rhizosphere-on-a-chip pore spaces using liquid microjunction surface sampling probe mass spectrometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayde Aufrecht
- Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA.
| | - Muneeba Khalid
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Courtney L Walton
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Kylee Tate
- Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA.
| | - John F Cahill
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Scott T Retterer
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
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10
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Liu Y, Patko D, Engelhardt I, George TS, Stanley-Wall NR, Ladmiral V, Ameduri B, Daniell TJ, Holden N, MacDonald MP, Dupuy LX. Plant-environment microscopy tracks interactions of Bacillus subtilis with plant roots across the entire rhizosphere. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2109176118. [PMID: 34819371 PMCID: PMC8640753 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2109176118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of plant-microbe interactions in soil is limited by the difficulty of observing processes at the microscopic scale throughout plants' large volume of influence. Here, we present the development of three-dimensional live microscopy for resolving plant-microbe interactions across the environment of an entire seedling growing in a transparent soil in tailor-made mesocosms, maintaining physical conditions for the culture of both plants and microorganisms. A tailor-made, dual-illumination light sheet system acquired photons scattered from the plant while fluorescence emissions were simultaneously captured from transparent soil particles and labeled microorganisms, allowing the generation of quantitative data on samples ∼3,600 mm3 in size, with as good as 5 µm resolution at a rate of up to one scan every 30 min. The system tracked the movement of Bacillus subtilis populations in the rhizosphere of lettuce plants in real time, revealing previously unseen patterns of activity. Motile bacteria favored small pore spaces over the surface of soil particles, colonizing the root in a pulsatile manner. Migrations appeared to be directed toward the root cap, the point of "first contact," before the subsequent colonization of mature epidermis cells. Our findings show that microscopes dedicated to live environmental studies present an invaluable tool to understand plant-microbe interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangminghao Liu
- School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Patko
- Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee DD2 5DA, United Kingdom
- Department of Conservation of Natural Resources, Neiker, Derio 48160, Spain
| | - Ilonka Engelhardt
- Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee DD2 5DA, United Kingdom
- Department of Conservation of Natural Resources, Neiker, Derio 48160, Spain
| | - Timothy S George
- Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee DD2 5DA, United Kingdom
| | | | - Vincent Ladmiral
- Institut Charles Gerhardt de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier 34090, France
| | - Bruno Ameduri
- Institut Charles Gerhardt de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, Montpellier 34090, France
| | - Tim J Daniell
- Plants, Photosynthesis and Soil, School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Holden
- Northern Faculty, Scotland's Rural College, Aberdeen AB21 9YA, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P MacDonald
- School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, United Kingdom;
| | - Lionel X Dupuy
- Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee DD2 5DA, United Kingdom;
- Department of Conservation of Natural Resources, Neiker, Derio 48160, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao 48009, Spain
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11
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Yanagisawa N, Kozgunova E, Grossmann G, Geitmann A, Higashiyama T. Microfluidics-Based Bioassays and Imaging of Plant Cells. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 62:1239-1250. [PMID: 34027549 PMCID: PMC8579190 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcab067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Many plant processes occur in the context of and in interaction with a surrounding matrix such as soil (e.g. root growth and root-microbe interactions) or surrounding tissues (e.g. pollen tube growth through the pistil), making it difficult to study them with high-resolution optical microscopy. Over the past decade, microfabrication techniques have been developed to produce experimental systems that allow researchers to examine cell behavior in microstructured environments that mimic geometrical, physical and/or chemical aspects of the natural growth matrices and that cannot be generated using traditional agar plate assays. These microfabricated environments offer considerable design flexibility as well as the transparency required for high-resolution, light-based microscopy. In addition, microfluidic platforms have been used for various types of bioassays, including cellular force assays, chemoattraction assays and electrotropism assays. Here, we review the recent use of microfluidic devices to study plant cells and organs, including plant roots, root hairs, moss protonemata and pollen tubes. The increasing adoption of microfabrication techniques by the plant science community may transform our approaches to investigating how individual plant cells sense and respond to changes in the physical and chemical environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Yanagisawa
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University, Nagoya Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Elena Kozgunova
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Schänzlestr. 1, Freiburg, Baden-Württemberg 79104, Germany
| | - Guido Grossmann
- Institute of Cell and Interaction Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
- Centre for Organismal Studies, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg 69120, Germany
| | - Anja Geitmann
- Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Québec H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Tetsuya Higashiyama
- Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University, Nagoya Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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12
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Arnaouteli S, Bamford NC, Stanley-Wall NR, Kovács ÁT. Bacillus subtilis biofilm formation and social interactions. Nat Rev Microbiol 2021; 19:600-614. [PMID: 33824496 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-021-00540-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm formation is a process in which microbial cells aggregate to form collectives that are embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix. Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive bacterium that is used to dissect the mechanisms controlling matrix production and the subsequent transition from a motile planktonic cell state to a sessile biofilm state. The collective nature of life in a biofilm allows emergent properties to manifest, and B. subtilis biofilms are linked with novel industrial uses as well as probiotic and biocontrol processes. In this Review, we outline the molecular details of the biofilm matrix and the regulatory pathways and external factors that control its production. We explore the beneficial outcomes associated with biofilms. Finally, we highlight major advances in our understanding of concepts of microbial evolution and community behaviour that have resulted from studies of the innate heterogeneity of biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Arnaouteli
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Natalie C Bamford
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Nicola R Stanley-Wall
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
| | - Ákos T Kovács
- Bacterial Interactions and Evolution Group, DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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13
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Knights HE, Jorrin B, Haskett TL, Poole PS. Deciphering bacterial mechanisms of root colonization. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2021; 13:428-444. [PMID: 33538402 PMCID: PMC8651005 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial colonization of the rhizosphere is critical for the establishment of plant-bacteria interactions that represent a key determinant of plant health and productivity. Plants influence bacterial colonization primarily through modulating the composition of their root exudates and mounting an innate immune response. The outcome is a horizontal filtering of bacteria from the surrounding soil, resulting in a gradient of reduced bacterial diversity coupled with a higher degree of bacterial specialization towards the root. Bacteria-bacteria interactions (BBIs) are also prevalent in the rhizosphere, influencing bacterial persistence and root colonization through metabolic exchanges, secretion of antimicrobial compounds and other processes. Traditionally, bacterial colonization has been examined under sterile laboratory conditions that mitigate the influence of BBIs. Using simplified synthetic bacterial communities combined with microfluidic imaging platforms and transposon mutagenesis screening approaches, we are now able to begin unravelling the molecular mechanisms at play during the early stages of root colonization. This review explores the current state of knowledge regarding bacterial root colonization and identifies key tools for future exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beatriz Jorrin
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordOX1 3RBUK
| | | | - Philip S. Poole
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordOX1 3RBUK
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14
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Moussus M, Meier M. A 3D-printed Arabidopsis thaliana root imaging platform. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:2557-2564. [PMID: 33999087 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00149c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
High-resolution live imaging promises new insights into the cellular and molecular dynamics of the plant root system in response to external cues. Microfluidic platforms are valuable analytical tools that combine the precise spatial and temporal control of culture conditions with live-imaging capabilities. However, complexity in the fabrication and operations of current plant microfluidic platforms limits their use to a few technologically-focused laboratories. Here, we design and characterize an easy-to-implement 3D printed open microfluidic platform for Arabidopsis thaliana roots. Our biocompatibility study identified a suitable material for the platform production and an established drought stress assay validates the reliability of our stereolithography (SLA)-based next generation RootChip.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Moussus
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.
| | - Matthias Meier
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany. and Medical Faculty, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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15
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Sun L, Liu L, Lin X, Xia Z, Cao J, Xu S, Gu H, Yang H, Bao N. Microfluidic Devices for Monitoring the Root Morphology of Arabidopsis Thaliana in situ. ANAL SCI 2021; 37:605-611. [PMID: 33100305 DOI: 10.2116/analsci.20p281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Plant roots play critical roles in absorbing nutrients for the growth and development of plants as well as adapting different environments. Currently, there is no satisfactory way to track dynamic information when studying roots at the high temporal and spatial resolution. Herein, a simple microfluidic device with crossed microchannels was utilized for a microscopic investigation of Arabidopsis thaliana roots in situ. Our experimental results showed that the microfluidic system combined with a microscope could be conveniently utilized for the quantification of primary roots and root hairs with a change of micrometers within a time of minutes. Using the same approach, the influences of high salinity stress could also be investigated on different parts of roots, including the root cap, meristematic zone, elongation zone, mature zone, and root hairs. More importantly, the growth of roots and root hairs could be quantified and compared in a solution of abscisic acid and indole-3-acetic acid, respectively. Our study suggested that the microfluidic system could become a powerful tool for the quantitative investigation of Arabidopsis thaliana roots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University
| | - Lili Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University
| | | | - Zhiyi Xia
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University.,School of Life Sciences, Central South University
| | - Jingli Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University
| | - Shaofu Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University
| | - Haiying Gu
- School of Public Health, Nantong University
| | - Haibing Yang
- South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Ning Bao
- School of Public Health, Nantong University
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16
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Sagita R, Quax WJ, Haslinger K. Current State and Future Directions of Genetics and Genomics of Endophytic Fungi for Bioprospecting Efforts. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:649906. [PMID: 33791289 PMCID: PMC8005728 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.649906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The bioprospecting of secondary metabolites from endophytic fungi received great attention in the 1990s and 2000s, when the controversy around taxol production from Taxus spp. endophytes was at its height. Since then, hundreds of reports have described the isolation and characterization of putative secondary metabolites from endophytic fungi. However, only very few studies also report the genetic basis for these phenotypic observations. With low sequencing cost and fast sample turnaround, genetics- and genomics-based approaches have risen to become comprehensive approaches to study natural products from a wide-range of organisms, especially to elucidate underlying biosynthetic pathways. However, in the field of fungal endophyte biology, elucidation of biosynthetic pathways is still a major challenge. As a relatively poorly investigated group of microorganisms, even in the light of recent efforts to sequence more fungal genomes, such as the 1000 Fungal Genomes Project at the Joint Genome Institute (JGI), the basis for bioprospecting of enzymes and pathways from endophytic fungi is still rather slim. In this review we want to discuss the current approaches and tools used to associate phenotype and genotype to elucidate biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites in endophytic fungi through the lens of bioprospecting. This review will point out the reported successes and shortcomings, and discuss future directions in sampling, and genetics and genomics of endophytic fungi. Identifying responsible biosynthetic genes for the numerous secondary metabolites isolated from endophytic fungi opens the opportunity to explore the genetic potential of producer strains to discover novel secondary metabolites and enhance secondary metabolite production by metabolic engineering resulting in novel and more affordable medicines and food additives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kristina Haslinger
- Groningen Institute of Pharmacy, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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17
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Pang Z, Chen J, Wang T, Gao C, Li Z, Guo L, Xu J, Cheng Y. Linking Plant Secondary Metabolites and Plant Microbiomes: A Review. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:621276. [PMID: 33737943 PMCID: PMC7961088 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.621276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) play many roles including defense against pathogens, pests, and herbivores; response to environmental stresses, and mediating organismal interactions. Similarly, plant microbiomes participate in many of the above-mentioned processes directly or indirectly by regulating plant metabolism. Studies have shown that plants can influence their microbiome by secreting various metabolites and, in turn, the microbiome may also impact the metabolome of the host plant. However, not much is known about the communications between the interacting partners to impact their phenotypic changes. In this article, we review the patterns and potential underlying mechanisms of interactions between PSMs and plant microbiomes. We describe the recent developments in analytical approaches and methods in this field. The applications of these new methods and approaches have increased our understanding of the relationships between PSMs and plant microbiomes. Though the current studies have primarily focused on model organisms, the methods and results obtained so far should help future studies of agriculturally important plants and facilitate the development of methods to manipulate PSMs-microbiome interactions with predictive outcomes for sustainable crop productions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Pang
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops and Center of Southern Economic Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resources and Sustainable Use, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Chen
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops and Center of Southern Economic Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Tuhong Wang
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops and Center of Southern Economic Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Chunsheng Gao
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops and Center of Southern Economic Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Zhimin Li
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops and Center of Southern Economic Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Litao Guo
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops and Center of Southern Economic Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Jianping Xu
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops and Center of Southern Economic Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Yi Cheng
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops and Center of Southern Economic Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
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