AUTHOR=Du Yuanfen , Zou Wei , Zhang Kaizheng , Ye Guangbin , Yang Jiangang 

TITLE=Advances and Applications of Clostridium Co-culture Systems in Biotechnology

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=11

YEAR=2020

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2020.560223

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2020.560223

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=<p><italic>Clostridium</italic> spp. are important microorganisms that can degrade complex biomasses such as lignocellulose, which is a widespread and renewable natural resource. Co-culturing <italic>Clostridium</italic> spp. and other microorganisms is considered to be a promising strategy for utilizing renewable feed stocks and has been widely used in biotechnology to produce bio-fuels and bio-solvents. In this review, we summarize recent progress on the <italic>Clostridium</italic> co-culture system, including system unique advantages, composition, products, and interaction mechanisms. In addition, biochemical regulation and genetic modifications used to improve the <italic>Clostridium</italic> co-culture system are also summarized. Finally, future prospects for <italic>Clostridium</italic> co-culture systems are discussed in light of recent progress, challenges, and trends.</p>