STM Journals Peer-reviewed research from Consortium e-Learning Network

International Journal of Marine Life Review Article

Marine Microbial Ecology: A Comprehensive Review of Interactions, Symbiosis, and Bioprospecting.

  1. Mukesh Chander* Department of Biotechnology, Khalsa College (Autonomous)

Abstract

Marine microorganisms constitute the largest and most dynamic fraction of Earth's biodiversity, governing vital ecosystem functions ranging from global biogeochemical cycling to host-specific symbiotic associations. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the complex interaction networks within marine microbial communities. We first explore the theoretical foundations of microbial niche construction and evolutionary dynamics in the ocean. Subsequent sections dissect micro-scale interactions within the phycosphere, where chemical gradients dictate cross-kingdom mutualisms and antagonisms, including novel inorganic signaling pathways that trigger algal bloom collapse. At the macro-ecological scale, we examine the intricate dissolved organic matter (DOM) recycling loops within coral reef ecosystems, highlighting how microbial metabolism sustains high gross primary productivity in oligotrophic waters. Furthermore, this review critically assesses the destabilizing impacts of anthropogenic climate change, ocean acidification, and aquaculture on microbiome stability, emphasizing the 2 transition from healthy holobionts to states of dysbiosis. Finally, we highlight the immense biotechnological potential of marine bioprospecting, detailing how unique microbial adaptations in extreme environments, unlocked via advanced multi-omics technologies, are driving unprecedented innovations in the pharmaceutical, industrial, and environmental sectors.

Keywords

References (18)

  1. Abada A, Beiralas R, Narvaez D, Sperfeld M, Duchin-Rapp Y, Lipsman V, et al. Aerobic bacteria produce nitric oxide via denitrification and promote algal population collapse. The ISME Journal. 2023;17(8):1167-1183. doi:10.1038/s41396-023-01427-8
  2. Baquero F, Coque TM, Galán JC, Martinez JL. The Origin of Niches and Species in the Bacterial World. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2021;12. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2021.657986
  3. Chander, M., & Kaur, J. (2024). Aquatic ecosystems: A review on prospecting of anticancer molecules from fungi and other microbes. International Journal of Fungi, 1(2). ISSN: 3049-1509
  4. Chander, M., Kaur, R., & Rampal, P. (2025). Biotherapeutics: The healing properties of bio-active molecules of microbial origin. New Delhi, India: Chyren Publication. ISBN: 978-93-7143-442-3
  5. Chander, M. (2025). Fungal-derived nutraceuticals and bioactive compounds with physiotherapeutic and health-promoting properties: A comprehensive review. International Journal of Fungi, 2(2). https://doi.org/10.37591/IJF.v02i02.2287
  6. Chander, M. (2025). Comprehensive Biotech: Bioprocessing & Human Welfare (Vol. 1). InkScribe Publishing Pvt. Ltd. ISBN: 978-93-7143-442-3
  7. Di Costanzo F, Di Dato V, Romano G. Diatom–Bacteria Interactions in the Marine Environment: Complexity, Heterogeneity, and Potential for Biotechnological Applications. Microorganisms. 2023;11(12):2967. doi:10.3390/microorganisms11122967
  8. He Y, Sen B, Wang G. Diversity and Dynamics of Microbial Communities in Marine Ecosystems. Water. 2023;16(1):31. doi:10.3390/w16010031
  9. Kumar, R., Salwan, R., & Chander, M. (2023). The synthesis of medicinally important pharma molecules from carbohydrate building blocks. International Journal of Novel Research and Development, 8(5), e138–148. ISSN: 2456-4184
  10. Li Z. Editorial: Marine microbial symbioses: host-microbe interaction, holobiont's adaptation to niches and global climate change. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2024;15. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2024.1416897
  11. Mony C, Vandenkoornhuyse P, Bohannan BJM, Peay K, Leibold MA. A Landscape of Opportunities for Microbial Ecology Research. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2020;11. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2020.561427
  12. Nawaz MZ, Subin Sasidharan R, Alghamdi HA, Dang H. Understanding Interaction Patterns within Deep-Sea Microbial Communities and Their Potential Applications. Marine Drugs. 2022;20(2):108. doi:10.3390/md20020108
  13. Nelson CE, Wegley Kelly L, Haas AF. Microbial Interactions with Dissolved Organic Matter Are Central to Coral Reef Ecosystem Function and Resilience. Annual Review of Marine Science. 2023;15(1):431-460. doi:10.1146/annurev-marine-042121-080917
  14. Platt AJ, Whalen KE. Probing the Phycosphere: Techniques to Study Bacteria-Phytoplankton Interactions. Integrative And Comparative Biology. 2023;63(6):1509-1519. doi:10.1093/icb/icad065
  15. Schneider T. Interactions at sea: on the microbiome life-cycle and biogeochemical processes. History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences. 2025;47(3). doi:10.1007/s40656-025-00687-1
  16. Vanwonterghem I, Webster NS. Coral Reef Microorganisms in a Changing Climate. iScience. 2020;23(4):100972. doi:10.1016/j.isci.2020.100972
  17. Veluchamy C, Nallakaruppan N, Nachiappan K, Sekaran M, Vartak RB, Zambare RB, et al. Marine microbial bioprospecting and bioactive bioproducts: seven decades of discovery and contemporary perspectives. Frontiers in Marine Science. 2025;12. doi:10.3389/fmars.2025.1698327
  18. Zhang X, Hua J, Song Z, Li K. A review: Marine aquaculture impacts marine microbial communities. AIMS Microbiology. 2024;10(2):239-254. doi:10.3934/microbiol.2024012