Microbial communities are essential to various global ecosystems, participating in crucial biological processes. The intricate social interactions within these communities, characterized by intra- and interspecies communication, significantly shape their behaviour and composition. In this context, exchanging various secondary metabolites is pivotal, influencing cooperation, competition, and survival strategies. Among these metabolites, siderophores stand out because of their importance in microbial iron acquisition and their involvement in mediating interactions that affect community dynamics and ecological balance.
Although siderophore-driven interactions have been the subject of extensive research, the spatiotemporal dynamics of these processes remain poorly understood. To bridge this gap, we employ new technologies such as optogenetics and microfluidics, which allow noninvasive control of cellular functions with high spatiotemporal resolution and high precision in studying microbial interactions at the single-cell level.
For instance, by applying light-responsive switches, we can dynamically alter the production of siderophores within microbial communities. This approach allowed a dynamic transition from siderophore production to non-production states and even to overproduction. Using this strain in co-cultures, we could show how different illumination conditions that modulate pyoverdine production impact community composition, revealing shifts in community structure linked to siderophore output.
Ultimately, leveraging these technologies will shed light on how metabolite-based interactions influence community structure and function over time and space, providing new insights into microbial cooperation, competition, and resilience.