Integrating ecological and evolutionary frameworks for SynCom success

12 páginas.- 3 figuras.- referencias.-

Use of synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) is a promising approach that harnesses nature-based solutions to support soil fertility and food security, mitigate climate change impacts, and restore terrestrial ecosystems. Several microbial products are in the market, and many others are at different stages of development and commercialization. Yet, we are still far from being able to fully harness the potential and successful applications of such biotechnological tools. The limited field efficiency and efficacy of SynComs have significantly constrained commercial opportunities, resulting in market growth falling below expectations. To overcome these challenges and manage expectations, it is critical to address current limitations, failures, and potential environmental consequences of SynComs. In this Viewpoint, we explore how using multiple eco-evolutionary theories can inform SynCom design and success. We further discuss the current status of SynComs and identify the next steps needed to develop and deploy the next-generation tools to boost their ability to support multiple ecosystem services, including food security and environmental sustainability.

MD-B acknowledges support from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation for the I+D+i project PID2020-115813RA-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (SOIL4GROWTH) and from the CPP2022009702/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/ Unión Europea NextGenerationEU/PRTR (BIOCONSOIL). PT is grateful for financial support from the US National Science Foundation (award nos. 2021898 and 2120117) and the US Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (award nos. 2020-67013-31801 and 2024-67013-42479). BKS and TS-S works on microbiome are supported by the Australian Research council (DP230101448). MM-R acknowledges support from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation for the I+D+i Project PID2021-123097OA-I00 funded by MCIN/ AEI /10.13039/501100011033/ and FEDER Una manera de hacer Europa and for the Project TED2021-132332A-C22, funded by MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and Unión Europea NextGenerationEU/ PRTR. FB is grateful to the I+D+I project PID2020-114942RB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033. FB is funded by the AGROALNEXT program and by MCIN with funds from NextGenerationEU (PRTR-C17.I1).

Peer reviewed