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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Nutrient availability shapes the microbial community structure in sugarcane bagasse compost-derived consortia

Full text
Author(s):
Mello, Bruno L. ; Alessi, Anna M. ; McQueen-Mason, Simon ; Bruce, Neil C. ; Polikarpov, Igor
Total Authors: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 6, DEC 12 2016.
Web of Science Citations: 11
Abstract

Microbial communities (MCs) create complex metabolic networks in natural habitats and respond to environmental changes by shifts in the community structure. Although members of MCs are often not amenable for cultivation in pure culture, it is possible to obtain a greater diversity of species in the laboratory setting when microorganisms are grown as mixed cultures. In order to mimic the environmental conditions, an appropriate growth medium must be applied. Here, we examined the hypothesis that a greater diversity of microorganisms can be sustained under nutrient-limited conditions. Using a 16 S rRNA amplicon metagenomic approach, we explored the structure of a compost-derived MC. During a five-week time course the MC grown in minimal medium with sugarcane bagasse (SCB) as a sole carbon source showed greater diversity and enrichment in lignocellulose-degrading microorganisms. In contrast, a MC grown in nutrient rich medium with addition of SCB had a lower microbial diversity and limited number of lignocellulolytic species. Our approach provides evidence that factors such as nutrient availability has a significant selective pressure on the biodiversity of microorganisms in MCs. Consequently, nutrient-limited medium may displace bacterial generalist species, leading to an enriched source for mining novel enzymes for biotechnology applications. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 11/21608-1 - Identification and characterization of new enzymes with potential for lignocellulosic biomass conversion
Grantee:Bruno Luan Soares Paula de Mello
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
FAPESP's process: 10/52362-5 - Targeted analysis of microbial lignocellulolytic secretomes: a new approach to enzyme discovery
Grantee:Igor Polikarpov
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants