Mangrove-associated Halotolerant Bacteria: Ecological Roles, Molecular Interactions and Biotechnological Potentials

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems are productive coastal habitats found in tropical and subtropical areas. They play an important role in regulating the global climate and protecting coastlines. As vital blue carbon ecosystems, mangroves grow along the coastlines of about 124 countries. They provide essential services such as shoreline stabilization, carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity conservation. These ecosystems are exposed to harsh environmental conditions, including high salinity, tidal flooding, and changing oxygen levels. Despite these challenges, mangrove plants thrive through a complex interplay with different microbial communities, principally halotolerant bacteria. This review explores the global distribution of mangroves and the diversity and functions of the bacterial communities that help to keep these ecosystems healthy. Halotolerant bacteria contribute significantly to nutrient cycling, soil fertility enhancement, and plant growth promotion. They also enable plants to cope with salinity stress through various mechanisms such as producing phytohormones, regulating osmotic pressure, and controlling stress-responsive gene regulation. These plant-microbe interactions not only help mangroves stay resilient but also hold promise for use in biosaline agriculture, environmental management, and biotechnology, aiding in the sustainable conservation of saline and coastal ecosystems.