What does microbial synergy refer to?

Microbial synergy refers to the interaction of microorganisms that leads to an enhanced combined effect, demonstrating that the collective impact of these microbes is greater than the sum of their individual effects. This concept emphasizes how different species can work together to promote growth, survival, and pathogenicity, leading to outcomes that might not occur if each species functioned independently.

In contexts such as biofilm formation, certain bacteria can produce substances that not only benefit themselves but also facilitate the survival of other microbes in the same community by providing essential nutrients or protection from environmental stresses.

The concept of synergy is significant in understanding ecological relationships within microbial communities, especially in diverse environments such as the human gut or in biotechnological applications. This stands in contrast to other interactions among microorganisms, such as competition for resources or independent behaviors that do not result in collaborative outcomes.