Describing the persistence landscape for introducing microbes into complex communities

Applied and Environmental Microbiology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Jason McDermott, William Nelson, Amy Zimmerman, Winston Anthony, Devin Coleman‐Derr, Joshua R. Elmore, Tara A. Nitka, Ryan McClure, Pubudu Handakumbura, Adam M. Guss, Travis J. Wheeler, Robert G. Egbert
DOI: 10.1128/aem.00930-26
Cited by: 2
References: 34

Abstract

Introducing non-native organisms into natural or designed microbial communities holds enormous potential but faces challenges in establishment, persistence, and containment. We propose the "persistence landscape"-the functional composition of a target microbiome that promotes or discourages engineered organism persistence. Building on existing ecological concepts, this framework predicts the fitness of introduced organisms. Application of this concept would enable controlled introduction of desired taxa and phenotypes, addressing pressing challenges in agronomy, biomanufacturing, and human health.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Microbial Community Ecology and Physiology Bacterial biofilms and quorum sensing Gut microbiota and health

Publication details

Journal / source
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
Publisher
American Society for Microbiology
Volume
92
Issue
8
Pages
e0093026–e0093026
Publication date
22 July 2026
Language
EN