In a perspective article published in Nature Communications a group of 25 scientists behind the Microbiota Vault Initiative shared their progress and introduced an ethical framework focused on equitable collaboration and depositor sovereignty. These guiding principles aim to ensure fair participation while advancing the initiative’s mission to protect microbial diversity for future generations.

The Microbiota Vault Initiative is a forward-thinking global effort to protect the microbial life that is vital to the health of both our planet and its people said Maria Gloria Dominguez-Bello president of the initiative and Distinguished Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology at Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. With strong international collaboration and a foundation of ethical governance Rutgers is playing a key role in preserving Earth’s microbial legacy

Dominguez-Bello also holds the titles of Henry Rutgers Professor of Microbiome and Health and Professor of Anthropology at the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences.

Microbes microscopic organisms such as bacteria viruses and fungi are found everywhere including within the human body where they form diverse ecosystems known as microbiomes. Studies have increasingly shown the vital role these good microbes play in supporting digestion strengthening the immune system and defending against harmful pathogens.

Microbiomes are not limited to humans they also exist in plants, food, and the environment. Soil microbes for instance, aid plant growth by cycling nutrients, while fermented foods like yogurt contain beneficial bacteria that support digestive health. Environmental microbiomes such as those found in Arctic permafrost, are crucial for climate regulation by influencing greenhouse gas emissions.

However, these delicate microbial ecosystems are increasingly threatened by human activities, according to research by Maria Gloria Dominguez-Bello. In humans, practices like overusing antibiotics, cesarean deliveries and formula feeding can reduce gut microbial diversity, potentially increasing the risk of allergies autoimmune diseases, and metabolic disorders. In the food industry heavy use of preservatives and additives may also damage beneficial microbes.

The microbiome is facing a major crisis one that mirrors the urgency of climate change said Martin Blaser a board member of the Microbiota Vault Initiative, director of Rutgers' Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, and co-author of the perspective article. Human activities are depleting our microbiome, and the evidence is mounting.In its Growth Phase 1 through 2029, the Microbiota Vault Initiative aims to expand its collection to 10,000 samples and pursue government support alongside current funding. A permanent vault site is being considered in cold-climate regions like Switzerland and Canada. The initiative is grounded in an ethical framework promoting fairness inclusivity and respect for local knowledge. Core principles include depositor sovereignty equitable collaboration and the protection of indigenous rights.

Source: https://sebsnjaesnews.rutgers.edu/2025/07/a-global-microbiome-preservation-effort-enters-its-growth-phase/