An interdisciplinary perspective of the built-environment microbiome.

Area of Science:

• Microbial Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Interdisciplinary Studies

Background:

• The built environment presents a unique, simplified system for studying microbial community dynamics.
• Unlike natural settings, built environments allow for manipulation of factors like design, materials, and human activity.
• Understanding the microbiome of these spaces is crucial for public health and ecological research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the ecology of the microbiome in the built environment.
• To highlight the interdisciplinary nature of this research area, connecting ecology, epidemiology, materials science, and human behavior.
• To identify future research opportunities at the interface of these disciplines.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of existing research on built environment microbiomes.
• Discussion of ecological concepts applied to built environments: niche space, refugia, population and community dynamics (metagenomics).
• Exploration of spatial ecology within buildings and landscape ecology connecting separate structures.

Main Results:

• Built environments host complex microbial communities influenced by design and human activity.
• Microbial transmission, spatial distribution, and evolutionary processes are key dynamics within these ecosystems.
• Interdisciplinary approaches are essential for a comprehensive understanding.

Conclusions:

• The built environment is a valuable model system for microbial ecology research.
• Future research should focus on the interplay between the built environment, microbial communities, and human health.
• Leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration will drive significant advancements in understanding built environment microbiomes.