The Search For Bioactive Compounds From Microorganisms

There is a large market demand for new drugs. The existing chronic or common ailments without cures, development of new diseases with unknown causes, and the widespread existence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, have driven this field of research further by looking at all potential sources of natural products. To date, microbes have made a significant contribution to the health and well-being of people globally. The discoveries of useful metabolites produced by microbes have resulted in a significant proportion of pharmaceutical products in today’s market. Therefore, the investigation and identification of bioactive compound(s) producing microbes is always of great interest to researchers. Actinobacteria are one of the most important and efficient groups of natural metabolite producers. Among the numerous genera, Streptomyces have been recognized as prolific producers of useful natural compounds, as they provide more than half of the naturally-occurring antibiotics isolated to-date and continue to emerge as the primary source of new bioactive compounds. Certainly, these potentials have attracted ample research interest and a wide range of biological activities have been subsequently screened by researchers with the utilization of different In vitro and In vivo model of experiments. Literature evidence has shown that a significant number of interesting compounds produced by Actinobacteria were exhibiting either strong anticancer or neuroprotective activity. The further in depth studies have then established the modulation of apoptotic pathway was involved in those observed bioactivities. These findings indirectly prove the biopharmaceutical potential possessed by Actinobacteria and at the same time substantiate the importance of diverse pharmaceutical evaluations on Actinobacteria. In fact, many novel compounds discovered from Actinobacteria with strong potential in clinical applications have been developed into new drugs by pharmaceutical companies. Together with the advancement in science and technology, it is predicted that there would be an expedition in discoveries of new bioactive compounds producing Actinobacteria from various sources, including soil and marine sources. In light of these current needs, and great interest in the scope of this research, this book seeks to contribute on the investigation of different biological active compound(s) producing actinobacteria which are exhibiting antimicrobial, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anticancer activities and similar.

This book delves into microbial production and its implications for various industries and presents the latest advancements in the field of bioactive compound production by microorganisms. Divided into 16 chapters, the book covers a wide range of topics, starting with the emerging trends in microbial production techniques, followed by the potential of fungi and algae in producing bioactive compounds, and the applications of bioactive compounds in medicine, agriculture, and industry. Contributions from expert scientists emphasize the significance of metabolic engineering and modern analytical techniques for the extraction, purification, and structural characterization of microbial bioactive compounds. The authors also present alternative technologies and methodologies for the recovery and extraction of these compounds from microbial sources and highlight the health-promoting benefits of natural plant-derived bioactive compounds. Particular attention is given to nanocarriers and their potential for managing the delivery of bioactive compounds in therapeutic applications. The importance of actinomycetes and their bioactive potential in the agricultural sector is also discussed. In this book, readers will also find out about the importance of microbial community dynamics in Antarctica, their ecological potential, and their industrial application. The last chapter of the book offers an industrial perspective of microbial pigments and their applications. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, academics, and industry professionals seeking to understand and harness the potential of microbial bioactive compounds for sustainable development, industrial applications, and improved human well-being.

Volume 1: Notes on the historical development of microbial transformations; The methodology of microbial transformations of organic compounds; Microbial transformations of antibiotics; Microbial transformation of important industrial hydrocarbons; Microbial transformations of prostaglandins. Volume 2: Microbial transformations as a means of preparing mammalian drug metabolites; Transformations of xenobiotics by the intestinal microflora; Microbial transformations of alkaloids; Microbial transformations of cannabinoids; Microbial transformations of pesticides.

​This SpringerBrief sheds new light on bioactive materials from extremophiles with the focus on the biosynthesis processes and related genomics. It deals with all aspects of the chemical compounds produced by organisms living under extreme conditions that may have potential as drugs or lead to novel drugs for human use.

The marine environment covers 70% of the earth’s surface and accounts for 98% of the potentially habitable space. The bioactives from marine microorganisms include antibiotic compounds, polysaccharides, inhibitors, enzymes, peptides, and pigments. These are used in various fields of biology that range from nutraceuticals to cosmeceuticals. Recent scientific investigations have revealed that marine microbial compounds exhibit various beneficial biological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-HIV, anti-hypertensive, and anti-diabetic. Marine Microorganisms: Extraction and Analysis of Bioactive Compounds sheds light on the extraction, clean-up, and detection methods of major compounds from marine organisms. The book includes information on the different classes of marine microorganisms and the different bioactives that can be extracted from bacteria, fungi and microalgae. Divided into 7 chapters, the book covers bioactive marine natural products, such as marine microbes, seaweeds, and marine sponges as potential sources of drug discovery, and focuses on analysis methods of the biocomponents from marine microorganisms. A useful reference tool for researchers and students, this book provides current knowledge about isolation and analysis methods of the bioactives and provides insight into the various bioactives of marine microbes toward nutraceutical and pharmaceutical development.