Harnessing Microbial Power for a Sustainable Future

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Microbial Biotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2025) | Viewed by 794

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor Assistant
Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Agronomic Science and Veterinary Medicine, 59 Marasti Blvd, 1 District, 011464 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: pattern; miRNAs; antioxidant; SCFAs; polyphenols; uropathogenic; herbal medicines; natural remedy; bioactive molecules

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As society confronts the multifaceted challenges of sustainability, ranging from environmental degradation to resource scarcity, microbes emerge as a powerful ally, offering nature-inspired solutions to promote sustainability across diverse sectors. These microscopic organisms provide innovative and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional practices, with applications spanning from enhancing agricultural productivity to managing waste, generating renewable energy, addressing climate change, and improving public health.

In modern agriculture, microbes can significantly boost soil fertility and plant growth. They can also serve as biopesticides, contributing to the production of healthier food while reducing pollution and promoting biodiversity. Moreover, probiotics and microbial feed additives can enhance animal health and reduce methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Emerging research is exploring the use of genetically engineered microbes to degrade complex pollutants and plastics, offering promising solutions for environmental cleanup. Other microbial interventions not only reduce waste but also generate valuable byproducts, fostering a circular economy.

Harnessing the power of microbes for renewable energy production can help reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and pave the way toward a sustainable energy future. Additionally, microbes play a crucial role in the development of biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biodegradable medical materials, contributing to sustainable healthcare solutions.

This Special Issue of Microorganisms aims to delve into the potential of microbial biotechnology and its integration into global sustainability targets. It seeks to demonstrate that a microbe-powered circular bioeconomy can bring substantial benefits to both the planet and human society, proving that these tiny organisms hold the key to a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Prof. Dr. Emanuel Vamanu
Guest Editor

Dr. Laura Dorina Dinu
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

  • microbes
  • sustainability
  • agricultural productivity
  • renewable energy
  • climate change
  • public health
  • circular economy
  • genetically engineered microbes
  • biopharmaceuticals
  • microbial biotechnology

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

17 pages, 486 KB  
Review
Exploring Eco-Friendly Microbial Strategies for Nosemosis Control in Honeybee
by Bogdan Tache, Roxana Spulber, Laura-Dorina Dinu and Emanuel Vamanu
Microorganisms 2025, 13(10), 2357; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13102357 - 14 Oct 2025
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Abstract
Nosemosis is an intestinal infection caused by intracellular fungal organisms from the Vairimorpha (formerly Nosema) group, which seriously harms honeybee colonies and is a factor in their worldwide decline. With the ban on fumagillin use in European apiculture and the limitations of [...] Read more.
Nosemosis is an intestinal infection caused by intracellular fungal organisms from the Vairimorpha (formerly Nosema) group, which seriously harms honeybee colonies and is a factor in their worldwide decline. With the ban on fumagillin use in European apiculture and the limitations of conventional treatments, it is essential to identify sustainable alternative solutions. This study presents new environmentally friendly microbe-based strategies to prevent and treat infection, focusing on probiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, and mixes with plant extracts, as well as suggesting a new approach for the future. This review discusses the latest results based on using beneficial bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus and Enterococcus faecium) and their byproducts to decrease the spore levels and modulate the gut bacteria pattern. Moreover, innovative approaches, such as genetically engineered gut bacteria to target pathogen gene expression through RNA interference, have been mentioned. Although results vary depending on microbial strain, delivery method, season, and ecological context, microbial treatments represent a promising, safe, and adaptable alternative for modern apiculture. The paper is necessary to validate these strategies’ real-world efficacy and to develop standardized microbial formulations suitable for practical implementation by beekeepers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Harnessing Microbial Power for a Sustainable Future)
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32 pages, 4308 KB  
Review
Harnessing Microbial Power for a Sustainable Future Food System
by Andreea Loredana Birgovan (Rhazzali), Elena Simina Lakatos, Lucian Ionel Cioca, Natalia Lorela Paul, Sorin Daniel Vatca, Erzsebeth Kis and Roxana Lavinia Pacurariu
Microorganisms 2025, 13(9), 2217; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13092217 - 22 Sep 2025
Viewed by 526
Abstract
Microorganisms are transforming the way we address sustainability across agriculture, food production, waste remediation, bioenergy, and industrial bioprocessing, offering novel solutions for the food systems of tomorrow. This systematic review examines literature from the last twenty years in order to identify key advances, [...] Read more.
Microorganisms are transforming the way we address sustainability across agriculture, food production, waste remediation, bioenergy, and industrial bioprocessing, offering novel solutions for the food systems of tomorrow. This systematic review examines literature from the last twenty years in order to identify key advances, challenges, and future directions in harnessing microbial systems for sustainable applications, especially those underpinning a resilient future food system. The selected documents allowed a mapping of the most important trends: innovations based on metabolic engineering and omics, the use of integrated biorefineries, and digital monitoring platforms are emerging as catalysts for the transition, while high scaling costs, regulatory challenges, and low public acceptance continue to limit large-scale implementation. The analysis highlights both the major advantages (reducing ecological impact, valorizing waste, diversifying food sources) and the current limits of these technologies, proposing a multi-stakeholder roadmap to accelerate the transition to a circular bioeconomy and a low-carbon and climate-resilient food system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Harnessing Microbial Power for a Sustainable Future)
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