Researchers from the China University of Geosciences in Beijing have deepened our understanding of how minerals and microbes influence each other over time. Their work details the co-evolution of mineral and microbial life and outlines the benefits that emerge from this intimate relationship, as described in the journal National Science Review.
Minerals are not just passive surroundings for microbes. They can shield microbial life, supply essential nutrients, or even furnish energy. Yet some minerals release toxic byproducts and generate reactive oxygen species that suppress or kill microorganisms. In response, microbes actively interact with minerals, dissolving, precipitating, and transforming them. These activities leave clear traces in the geological record and even hint at the kinds of chemical shortcuts that may have supported life in its earliest chapters. In some environments, microbes contribute to the formation of sizable mineral deposits, demonstrating how biotic and abiotic processes intertwine over geological timescales.
The researchers propose that minerals may be part of the metabolism for certain microbes that resist growth in laboratory settings. Traditional biology often overlooks minerals as a nutrient or energy source, yet these studies suggest minerals can fulfill roles that biology alone does not easily replicate. By distinguishing features that separate biogenic minerals from abiogenic minerals, scientists can refine their search for life in extreme or distant environments. This line of inquiry also unlocks a suite of practical applications. Mineral–microbial interactions hold promise for recovering precious metals, producing specialized mineral fertilizers, removing heavy metals and organic pollutants, enabling the biosynthesis of novel materials, and helping to sequester carbon dioxide. These insights pave the way for innovations in environmental remediation, energy, and materials science as researchers translate natural processes into engineered solutions. As summarized in National Science Review, the work highlights how bridging geology and microbiology can yield tangible benefits while expanding our understanding of life’s potential adaptability across planets.