A framework for integrating functional and microbial data: The case of dark fermentation H2 production. (13th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Navarro-Díaz, Marcelo; Martinez-Sanchez, Mariana Esther; Valdez-Vazquez, Idania; Escalante, Ana E.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 45:Number 56(2020)
• Page Start: 31706
• Page End: 31718
• Publication Date: 2020-11-13
• Subjects: Modeling -- Microbial ecology -- Microbial interactions -- Microbial diversity -- Ecological networks; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.08.189
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Research in dark fermentation has emphasized an engineering view of bioreactors overlooking its integration with the ecological dynamics of the process. Ecological dynamics driven by microbial interactions impact bioreactors performance and are critical to understanding the mechanistic bases of dark fermentation. We propose an analytical framework consisting of " description ", " association " and " modeling " phases or inquiry levels to elucidate potential ecological interactions in bioreactor-associated microbial consortia. Each phase deepens into obtaining mechanistic insights of the microbial behavior in bioreactors. We present a study case to illustrate each step of the framework, their limitations and opportunities. We show that analytical frameworks integrating metabolic data and microbial diversity give insights into the ecological processes underlying the performance of dark fermentation bioreactors and can guide future research through informed hypotheses. Highlights: Metabolic and microbial data integration reveals bioreactors ecological mechanisms. Bioreactors ecological basis can be investigated by statistical modeling approach. Antagonistic interactions due to culture conditions harm bioreactors performance. Informed hypotheses narrow the study of microbially-mediated bioreactors function.