Spatial metabolomics describes the location and chemistry of small molecules involved in
metabolic phenotypes, defence molecules and chemical interactions in natural communities …

Despite advances in sequencing, lack of standardization makes comparisons across studies
challenging and hampers insights into the structure and function of microbial communities …

Advances in bioanalytical technologies are constantly expanding our insights into complex
ecosystems. Here, we highlight strategies and applications that make use of non-targeted …

The metabolic capabilities of many environmentally and medically important microbes can
be quantitatively explored using systems biology approaches to metabolic networks. Yet, as …

Highlights•Nutrient exchange provides group advantage to microbial communities.•We
discuss combination of methods used for detecting metabolic interactions.•Simplified …

The development of reliable, mixed-culture biotechnological processes hinges on
understanding how microbial ecosystems respond to disturbances. Here we reveal …

The microbial secondary metabolome encompasses great synthetic diversity, empowering
microbes to tune their chemical responses to changing microenvironments. Traditional …

The systematic collection, integration and modelling of high-throughput molecular data
(multi-omics) allows the detailed characterisation of microbiomes in situ. Through metabolic …

Label-free molecular imaging techniques such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization
mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) enable the direct and simultaneous mapping of …

Highlights•Microbiome-associated metabolite pools aid discovery of novel functions.•Guilt-
by-association approaches identify microbial derivatives of standard metabolites.•Machine …