Research progress in the mechanisms of carbon and nitrogen sequestration by Anabaena azotica in soil at the single-cell level

Abstract:

Anabaena azotica, as a photoautotrophic microorganism, has good carbon and nitrogen sequestration abilities. The application of A. azotica could improve soil fertility and reduce the application of chemical fertilizers. However, the mechanism of carbon and nitrogen sequestration in soil by A. azotica and the sequestration efficiency of different strains remain to be studied. Therefore, it is important to screen A. azotica strains and probe into the processes of C and N sequestration in soil by the strains at the single-cell level. In view of the complex and dynamic process of element changes in A. azotica at the single-cell level, this study introduced the carbon and nitrogen sequestration process in soil by A. azotica. In addition, we expounded the principle, progress, and difficulties of using nano-secondary ion mass spectrometry combined with stable isotopic probing (NanoSIMS-SIP) and Raman spectroscopy imaging combined with stable isotopic probing (Raman-SIP) to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of carbon and nitrogen at the single-cell level. This review focuses on the latest technological development and application of single-cell stable isotope technology for quantitative visualization of carbon and nitrogen sequestration in A. azotica. At the same time, future research on the visualization technology is prospected. This review is of great scientific significance for understanding the mechanism of carbon and nitrogen sequestration and the difference in nitrogen fixation efficiency of different A. azotica strains in soil. It provides a theoretical basis for reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and improving soil fertility in agricultural production.