Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Book chapters
DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-13521-2_6
Title (Primary) The biofilm lifestyle of acidophilic metal/sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms
Title (Secondary) Biotechnology of extremophiles : advances and challenges
Author Zhang, R.; Bellenberg, S.; Neu, T.R.; Sand, W.; Vera, M.
Publisher Rampelotto, P.H.
Source Titel Grand Challenges in Biology and Biotechnology
Year 2016
Department FLOEK
Volume Vol. 1
Page From 177
Page To 213
Language englisch
UFZ wide themes RU2;
Abstract Microrganisms are well known for their unique ability to thrive in different lifestyles (e.g. planktonic or sessile) and environments, even within extreme ones. The most common and widespread lifestyle of microbes on earth is in form of biofilms, associated colonies of microorganisms embedded in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Extremely acidophilic metal/sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms (AMOM) thrive in special ecological niches characterized by harsh conditions such as low pH (below 3) and high concentration of heavy metals across a broad range of temperatures. The molecular mechanisms controlling biofilm formation in acidophilic leaching bacteria are starting to be elucidated while these operating in archaea are far less explored. In this chapter we provide an overview about the biofilm lifestyle of AMOM. This includes surface sciences, microscopy, cell-cell communication, interspecies interactions as well as molecular and high-throughput studies. Current knowledge on the EPS composition and biofilm visualization of acidophiles is also included. Future perspectives in this field include the elucidation of EPS biosynthesis pathways and a comprehensive analysis of the chemical nature of the EPS polymers. Cell-cell communication and microbial interactions within multispecies biofilms of acidophiles are considered to be crucial determinants in controlling the metabolic activity of AMOM. Either for their biotechnological applications in biomining or in mitigation of acid mine drainage (AMD) generation, further studies in both fields may presumably reveal key perspectives to influence and control bioleaching of sulfide minerals.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=18195
Zhang, R., Bellenberg, S., Neu, T.R., Sand, W., Vera, M. (2016):
The biofilm lifestyle of acidophilic metal/sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms
In: Rampelotto, P.H. (ed.)
Biotechnology of extremophiles : advances and challenges
Grand Challenges in Biology and Biotechnology Vol. 1
Springer International Publishing, Cham, p. 177 - 213 10.1007/978-3-319-13521-2_6