Origin and Significance of Microbiology over the Past 300 Years

Dear Colleagues,

The Dutch scientist and entrepreneur Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (1632–1723) was the first to discover and describe microorganisms (protists, bacteria), living beings he characterized as “animalcules” (little animals). Using single-lensed microscopes created for his own, private research, he was able to see and draw microbes for the first time in the history of biology. Hence, he became known as the “father of microbiology”.

In this Special Issue, we aim to analyze and summarize his scientific legacy in different branches of microbiology, from medical aspects (pathogenic microbes in all kinds of organisms) to symbiotic relationships (plant–microbe interaction, gut microorganisms in animals).

The Special Issue will be introduced by a historic essay, authored by the Editor. Contributions on all aspects of microbiology, with reference to the work of A. van Leeuwenhoek, are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Kutschera
Guest Editor

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• symbiotic interactions
• superorganism
• holobiont
• gnotobiology
• human microbiota
• gut microbiota
• co-evolution
• pathogenic microbes
• plant–microbe interaction
• gut microorganisms