Sunlight–Triggered Synergetic Facilitation of Hematite and Lactobacillus: A Vital Enhanced Carbon Conversion Pathway in Nature

Abstract

Sunlight–triggered mineral–microbial interaction is extensively involved in the material circulation and energy flow process in the global system, accompanied by element cycle including carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur. Here, the phenomenon of enhanced carbon conversion efficiency between Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) and natural hematite was demonstrated for the first time. In dual–chamber system, the average speed of glucose consumption would promote above 109% and the electrons transfer efficiency was promoted 17.9%, which compared with ‘L. lactis (Dark).’ It indicated a burgeoning electron transfer pathway between the L. lactis and hematite under light illumination. To simulate a blend system in nature, there was also almost 2 times promotion under the light condition in shake–flask system. Furthermore, for further close to natural environments about sunlight triggered facilitation, the systems of the hybrid colony (Lactobacillus)–hematite and hybrid colony–red soil were structured. Notably, glucose consumption in light–hematite condition (0.38 ± 0.085 g/L) was 2.23 times higher than ‘L. lactis (Dark)’ condition, which verified that the facilitated carbon source consumption process of Lactobacillus occurring in nature was prevalent widely. Nevertheless, it was an underappreciated carbon conversion pathway in nature, our research may have great significance for a more comprehensive understanding of the carbon cycle in nature.