Combinational quorum sensing devices for dynamic control in cross-feeding cocultivation

Area of Science:

• Synthetic biology
• Microbial engineering
• Metabolic engineering

Background:

• Quorum sensing (QS) regulates cell density-dependent dynamics in cultures using devices like synchronized lysis circuits (SLC) and metabolic toggle switches (MTS).
• Limited research exists on cocultivation strategies employing combinations of different QS-based devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To mathematically model and experimentally evaluate combined QS-regulated cocultivation schemes for isopropanol and salidroside production.
• To assess the feasibility and optimality of coordinating synthetic microbial consortia using diverse QS devices.

Main Methods:

• Mathematical modeling of comprehensive QS-regulated cocultivation schemes.
• Experimental construction and evaluation of combined QS devices in microbial consortia.
• Analysis of glucose split ratio to understand competition between cell growth and production.

Main Results:

• Combinations of different QS devices across multiple microbial members effectively coordinate synthetic consortia.
• High product titers were achieved in cross-feeding cocultivation systems.
• System performance is sensitive to QS device dynamics, carbon source control, and operational settings.

Conclusions:

• Combinational QS devices provide a novel strategy for coordinating synthetic microbial consortia.
• This approach offers potential for optimizing high-value compound production in cocultures.
• Further research should focus on dynamic characteristics, carbon source management, and operational parameters for enhanced system performance.