Fig. 3

Synergistic microbial interaction modes and mechanisms. A Synergistic microbial interaction modes. Mutualism and commensalism are presented. CBHI, cellobiohydrolase I; CBHII, cellobiohydrolase II; EGI, endoglucanase I. Three cellulases which are produced by T. reesei, hydrolyze cellulose to soluble oligosaccharides. B Microbial interaction mechanisms. These include contact-independent and contact-based interactions. Contact-independent interactions indicate that molecules (e.g. QS signal molecules) are released by diffusion or transported by efflux pumps. Contact-based interactions suggest that molecules are exchanged by physical cell–cell contact, e.g., pili, nanotubes, vesicles. AHLs: QS signal molecules. AHL signals, which are produced by LasI family, bind LasR, thus activating it. The activated complex modulated transcription of biofilm synthesis genes. Direct electron transfer is based on membrane bound c-type cytochromes or pili, indirect electron transfer is mediated by electron shuttles