Phages-bacteria interactions underlying the dynamics of polyhydroxyalkanoate-producing mixed microbial cultures via meta-omics study

Abstract

The synthesis of biodegradable plastic PHA from organic waste through mixed microbial cultures (PHA-MMCs), at extremely low cost, has the potential for expanded production. However, the dynamics of dominant species in PHA-MMCs are poorly understood. Our results demonstrate for the first time the impact of phages on the structure of bacterial communities in the PHA-MMCs. There are complex interactions between the PHA producers (e.g., Azomonas , Paracoccus , and Thauera ) and phages (e.g., Casadabanvirus and unclassified Hendrixvirinae). Phage communities can regulate the activity and structure of bacterial communities. In addition, the AMGs related to PHA synthesis may hitchhike during phage-host infection cycles, enabling their dissemination across bacterial communities, and phages may act as a critical genetic reservoir for bacterial members, facilitating access to PHA synthesis-related functional traits. This study highlights the impact of phages on bacterial community structure, suggesting that phages have the potential to be used as a tool for better controlling the microbial community structure of PHA-MMCs.