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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
08:13
A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities
Published on: December 25, 2015
Signal molecules in microalgal-bacterial partial nitrification-anammox systems: Roles, mechanisms, and prospects.
Qian Bi1, Shuang Qiu1, Wen Tang1
1School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Xiao Ling Wei 200, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210094, China.
Water Research
|July 11, 2026
Summary
Signaling molecules (SMs) are crucial for understanding microalgal-bacterial coupled PN/A (MB-PN/A) systems. This review explores SMs
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Wastewater Treatment
Background:
- Partial nitrification-anammox (PN/A) is a sustainable nitrogen removal process.
- Microalgal-bacterial coupled PN/A (MB-PN/A) enhances efficiency and stability but lacks understanding of microbial interactions.
- Signaling molecules (SMs) mediate quorum sensing (QS) and intercellular communication in microbial communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the classification and regulatory networks of SMs in MB-PN/A systems.
- To examine signaling paradigms from natural ecosystems for MB-PN/A insights.
- To critically evaluate SMs' roles in microbial interactions and nutrient metabolism within MB-PN/A.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review and synthesis of existing research on SMs and MB-PN/A systems.
- Analysis of signaling molecule classifications (first, second, and third messengers).
- Evaluation of signaling paradigms from diverse natural ecosystems.
Main Results:
- SMs, including N-acyl-homoserine lactones and cyclic nucleotides, play key roles in MB-PN/A.
- SMs influence functional guild assembly, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production, biofilm formation, and nutrient metabolism.
- Knowledge gaps exist in signal transduction and multi-messenger coordination within MB-PN/A systems.
Conclusions:
- Understanding SMs is critical for optimizing MB-PN/A processes.
- Future research should focus on in situ SM detection and causal validation of signal-response relationships.
- Integrating signaling information into process control can enhance MB-PN/A system performance.
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