Understanding microbial community dynamics to improve optimal microbiome selection.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Artificial selection of microbial communities that perform better at a desired process has seduced scientists for over a decade, but the method has not been systematically optimised nor the mechanisms behind its success, or failure, determined. Microbial communities are highly dynamic and, hence, go through distinct and rapid stages of community succession, but the consequent effect this may have on artificially selected communities is unknown.

Results

Using chitin as a case study, we successfully selected for microbial communities with enhanced chitinase activities but found that continuous optimisation of incubation times between selective transfers was of utmost importance. The analysis of the community composition over the entire selection process revealed fun

SUBMITTER: Wright RJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6547603 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature