Whole Genome Metagenome of Nostoc macrocolonies (Llayta)

Cyanobacteria biomass is a source of secondary metabolites and rich in nutritious ingredients (vitamins, essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids). Biochemical composition and the presence of cyanotoxins and contaminants are major concerns that must be addressed on such edible biomasses. Macrocolonies of a filamentous diazotrophic Nostoc species known as Llayta, which can be found at Andean wetlands, have been consumed since pre-Columbian times in South America, and its biochemical composition has been previously conducted to assess their nutri-tious quality and cyanotoxicity. Since macrocolonies of filamentous cyanobacteria are niches for colonization by diverse microorganisms, the accompanying cyanosphere on filaments of edible Llayta macrocolonies is unknown. Based on a culture-independent approach, we report the identification of members of the resilient microflora associated with Llayta trichomes after Gentami-cin treatments.