Microorganisms and humans living together.

Though we put an effort to see, there is more out to this universe that we can’t see through our naked eye. The invisible cosmos dominated by microorganisms is one such universe. The effort that we had to put as humans to explore this amazing universe since the discovery of the microscope led to technological advancements that one might not even think of. Thus, the finish was the discovery of the existence of microbes which led to more advancements in the lifestyle of humans. Our grandmothers, great grandmothers, and even kings used microbes, but they never knew about this universe. Since then, we are a part of this universe that extends to the daily needs of our lives like food, clothes, health, and energy production. Microbes are ubiquitous and versatile. Hence, they are beneficial and sometimes harmful to our existence. The current global pandemic is evidence of that.

Microorganisms

So, who are these microbes? As the name implies, microorganisms belong to the micro-world which cannot be observed by our naked eye. Various types of microorganisms can be seen. They are viruses, Archaea, Bacteria, Fungi, Algae (cyanobacteria- Blue-Green Algae), and protozoans. They span over many ecosystems from mild to extreme environmental conditions and inside the bodies of other organisms which is the key factor for their relatively higher abundance in nature.

Microorganisms and life on earth

Although microorganisms are crucial for our existence as humans, the human body is just another habitat from the thousands of habitable places for microbes.. They also aid in the maintenance of the ecological balance. Especially, through photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, and degradation of organic dead materials. Their reactions to the environment also lead to the production of industrially valuable products like fossil fuels. Microorganisms like Cyanobacteria produce oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis. Some microorganisms live inside the bodies of humans, other animals, and plants as well. Specifically, gut bacteria.

Gut Bacteria and humans

According to research, it is estimated that microbiota residing inside the Gastrointestinal Tract (large intestine of mammals) has a population of 1010–1011 CFU (*Colony Forming Units) per gram which is approximately 400 different species of the microbiota. Non-pathogenic and indigenous microbiota surviving inside these large intestines form mutualistic relationships with hosts where both parties are benefited. Microbiota will receive a rich and consistent supply of nutrients and a favorable environment to live in as well. As a result, microbiota will elevate the nutritional economy of the host and optimize the host resistance to opportunistic and harmful pathogens. Although gut bacteria are beneficial to humans there are pathogenic bacteria that may cause harmful effects on humans. They are diseases causing microbiota.

Industrialization using Microbiology

The mass revolutionization led to the use of microbiology in the food, agriculture, pharmaceutical industry, and energy generation. At present, it is used in the field of environmental management as well.

Microbial processes and microbes are used in the food industry for producing various alcoholic beverages, vinegar, dairy products (Cheese, curd). With the emerging new technologies, genetically modified organisms are used in the production of improved crop varieties in agriculture. Food supplements manufactured using organisms like Spirulina and yeast consist of a well-demanding market.

The discovery of antibiotics was one of the major milestones in the history of science. Since then, the use of microbes in the field of the pharmaceutical industry has expanded. Even they are used for the manufacture of vaccines too. Biological treatment of organic waste involving microbes aids in the production of biogas and compost production. In environmental management, microbiology is used as the solution for the degradation of plastics, treating oil spills, waste-water treatment, etc.

The sustainable usage of microbes is of utmost importance. Otherwise, if the over usage of microbes would cause detrimental impacts on their survival, the produced economy will become futile. Antibiotics come into prominence in that aspect. Gathering to discuss these issues is of paramount importance. “MicroZ3600” is a project initiated by the Team Life Sciences of Youth Govern SL. Apart from that, Biological treatment of organic waste, world-wide research related to microbiology, and the industrial aspect of Microbiology in Sri Lanka will be discussed in depth. We invite the Youth to join hands with us to continue this conversation to get better insights.

References

• H. Rex Gaskins, J. A. (2008). Impact of the Intestinal Microbiota on the Development of Mucosal Defense. Oxford Journals, S80-S86.