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Interface between the atmosphere and mineral substrates is the oldest terrestrial habitat. Morphologically simple microbial biofilms were the first settlers on these inhospitable surfaces at times when the Earth was inhabited only by microorganisms and the solid substrates represented only by natural rock surfaces i.e. lithosphere. Miniature, self-sufficient microbial ecosystems continue to develop on subaerial (i.e. air-exposed) solid surfaces at all altitudes and latitudes where direct contact with the atmosphere and solar radiation occurs – on rocks, mountains, buildings, monuments, solar panels. All these sub-aerial biofilms develop under fluctuating and hostile conditions – and thus frequently harbour stress-tolerant black fungi inherently able to cope with the stresses of bright sunlight and constantly changing atmospheric conditions. Black fungi – a polyphyletic group of Ascomycetes– accumulate the dark pigment DHN melanin, diverse carotenoids and mycosporines in their cells and thus successfully colonise sunlight-flooded habitats from phyllosphere to rock surfaces. Various chemical and physical extremes and fluctuating environments belong to the challenges effectively mastered by black fungi. In our laboratory we isolate novel black fungi from man-made habitats like building materials and solar panels. Using Knufia petricola A95 as a model we conduct experiments to clarify interactions of black fungi with inorganic substrates. We use available mutants to determine the functional consequences of changes in the outer cell wall envelopes – from excreted EPS to layers of protective pigments. A genetic toolbox to manipulate this Chaetothyriales representative is in further development. Our long-term goal is to understand the fundamental mechanisms how black fungi are able (i) to adhere to dry atmosphere-exposed surfaces, (ii) to survive multiple stresses and (iii) to change the underlying substrates including rocks.
Territories of rock-inhabiting fungi: Survival on and alteration of solid air-exposed surfaces
(2018)
Subaerial biofilms that are omnipresent at the interface between all solid substrates and the atmosphere are composed of a unique and widespread group of ascomycetes called rock-inhabiting fungi or microcolonial fungi (MCF), typically in communities with other microorganisms. While subaerial biofilms in toto have important roles in mineral weathering and biodeterioration of materials, methodological approaches to subaerial biofilm communities are diverse and frequently focussed on MCF. Here, we review the historical development of the research methods applied in the field and consider perspectives to increase our understanding of the biofilm-induced changes of solid substrate surfaces.