Phenazines

Phenazines are redox-active metabolites that are produced by certain soil bacteria and play an important role in the chemistry and ecology of the pedosphere. The compounds have been found across habitats and are especially abundant in root zones. Their redox activity makes them very reactive, and although they are found in relatively low concentrations, they have a disproportionate impact on the microbial ecology of the rhizosphere. Producer bacteria use phenazines to effectively compete with other soil microbes and acquire inorganic nutrients, which are processes that could be harnessed for sustainable agricultural practices in the future.