Electroactive ecosystem insights from corrosion microbiomes inform gut microbiome modulation.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Electroactive microorganisms (EAMs) mediate extracellular electron transfer, impacting diverse ecosystems.
• Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) and the human gut microbiome involve complex microbial communities.
• EAMs play critical roles in both material degradation and host-associated physiological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore parallels between EAMs in corrosion systems and the human gut microbiome.
• To leverage insights from corrosion microbiomes for understanding gut microbial functions.
• To inform strategies for microbiome engineering and promoting gut health.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of EAM functions in distinct environments.
• Review of existing literature on microbiologically influenced corrosion and gut microbiome studies.
• Identification of shared microbial mechanisms like electron transfer and biofilm formation.

Main Results:

• EAMs in corrosion and the gut exhibit similar strategies for electron transfer, biofilm formation, and syntrophic interactions.
• Anoxic niches and metabolic adaptability are common features in both systems.
• Corrosion microbiome research provides frameworks for understanding microbial resilience and cooperation in the gut.

Conclusions:

• Understanding EAMs in corrosion offers valuable insights into gut microbiome dynamics.
• Bridging knowledge between these fields can advance microbiome engineering for gut health.
• Further research, including functional metagenomics and archaeal contributions, is needed to fully elucidate these interactions.