Synthetic Microbial Communities Enhance Artificial Cyanobacterial Crusts Formation via Spatiotemporal Synergy.

ABSTRACT: Artificial cyanobacterial crusts (ACCs) are a potentially effective biological strategy for combating desertification. However, while functional microorganisms influence ACCs formation efficiency, research on their role is limited, and their underlying promotion mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of three functional synthetic microbial communities (SynComs), each dominated by microorganisms specialized in exopolysaccharide (EPS) production (3 strains), siderophore production (3 strains), or nitrogen fixation (4 strains), on ACCs formation following inoculation with Microcoleus vaginatus. This study was carried out in a controlled laboratory setting with a 12 h light/dark cycle and a light intensity of 2400-2700 lux. Following a 24-day cultivation period, EP

SUBMITTER: Li Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12844418 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature