title: Mineral-microbe interactions: biotechnological potential of bioweathering.
abstract: Mineral-microbe interaction has been a key factor shaping the lithosphere of our planet since the Precambrian. Detailed investigation has been mainly focused on the role of bioweathering in biomining processes, leading to the selection of highly efficient microbial inoculants for the recovery of metals. Here we expand this scenario, presenting additional applications of bacteria and fungi in mineral dissolution, a process with novel biotechnological potential that has been poorly investigated. The ability of microorganisms to trigger soil formation and to sustain plant establishment and growth are suggested as invaluable tools to counteract the expansion of arid lands and to increase crop productivity. Furthermore, interesting exploitations of mineral weathering microbes are represented by biorestoration and bioremediation technologies, innovative and competitive solutions characterized by economical and environmental advantages. Overall, in the future the study and application of the metabolic properties of microbial communities capable of weathering can represent a driving force in the expanding sector of environmental biotechnology.
authors.affiliation: Università degli Studi di Milano, Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Alimentari e Microbiologiche, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mapelli
authors.forename: Ramona
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Marasco
authors.forename: Annalisa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Balloi
authors.forename: Eleonora
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rolli
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cappitelli
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Daffonchio
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Borin
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001709:Biotechnology; D056265:Microbial Interactions; D008903:Minerals / Q000378:metabolism*; D014887:Weather
chemical_list: D008903:Minerals