Small molecule reaction networks that model the ROS dynamics of the rhizosphere

Spontaneous reactions between plant and bacterial redox active metabolites can result in reaction-diffusion networks that regulate redox gradients and ROS concentrations. Our model system mimics known biological processes observed in plants, including the oxidative burst, travelling waves, and chemical pattern formation. Similar non-enzymatic reactions between natural products may play a role in plant-bacteria interactions, including biofilm and microbiome regulation, and be useful for the development of narrow range antibiotics. Molecules released by plants and bacteria form complex abiotic reaction diffusion networks that might regulate the ROS dynamics along the roots of the plants.