Graphical abstract
Introduction
Design and engineering pipeline for developing DFHP bioprocesses
Knowledge-based physiological selection of microorganisms
Eco-physiological design of AMC
Eco-biotechnological engineering of AMC
Concluding remarks and outlook
Conflict of interest statement
References and recommended reading
CRediT authorship contribution statement
Acknowledgements
References
Introduction
Microorganisms contributing with different functional roles to biogeochemical cycles are vital for sustaining Earth’s biosphere. In nature, microbes exist in dynamically changing communities where they eco-physiologically engage in syntrophic interactions, forming functional ecosystems. However, in biotechnological applications microorganisms are frequently operated on the basis of pure culture systems which defines, but at the same time limits, the bioprocess operational space to the physiological boundaries of an organism [1]. As an alternative, utilization of microbial consortia allows inclusion of strains as contributors for enhancing bio-production by enabling eco-physiological functions and interactions through efficient utilisation of unrefined substrates [2,3], reducing by-product inhibition [4] and by performing eco-biotechnological optimization [5], to achieve high productivity and/or yield.