Non-model microbes and microbial communities: opportunities for biotechnology

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Synthetic Biology

Background:

• Microbiology research is shifting from model organisms to diverse non-model species.
• Focus is expanding from single-cell functions to complex microbial communities and their emergent properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the biotechnological opportunities arising from the expansion of microbiology research.
• To highlight advancements in engineering microbes and communities for biotechnological applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of omics technologies and automation for identifying and utilizing non-model microbes.
• Discussion of tools for engineering microorganisms and synthetic communities, including genome editing, adaptive laboratory evolution, and ecological engineering.

Main Results:

• Omics and automation have broadened the scope of non-model microbes available for biotechnology.
• Synthetic communities offer advantages over monocultures, such as resilience and suitability for open environments.
• Engineering tools enable the development of both individual non-model microbes and complex microbial consortia.

Conclusions:

• The expansion into non-model microbes and synthetic communities presents significant biotechnological opportunities.
• Further development in designing synthetic communities is crucial to harness the full potential of microbial diversity.
• Increased focus on non-model organisms and community engineering is needed to unlock novel biotechnological solutions.