Study of marine microorganism metabolites: new resources for bioactive natural products

The marine environment has remained a source of novel biological molecules with diversified applications. The ecological and biological diversity, along with a unique physical environment, have provided the evolutionary advantage to the plant, animals and microbial species thriving in the marine ecosystem. In light of the fact that marine microorganisms frequently interact symbiotically or mutualistically with higher species including corals, fish, sponges, and algae, this paper intends to examine the potential of marine microorganisms as a niche for marine bacteria. This review aims to analyze and summarize modern literature data on the biotechnological potential of marine fungi and bacteria as producers of a wide range of practically valuable products (surfactants, glyco-and lipopeptides, exopolysaccharides, enzymes, and metabolites with different biological activities: antimicrobial, antitumor, and cytotoxic). Hence, the study on bioactive secondary metabolites from marine microorganisms is the need of the hour. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that for the first time, the data on new resources for obtaining biologically active natural products - metabolites of marine bacteria and fungi - were generalized. The review investigates the various kinds of natural products derived from marine microorganisms, specifically focusing on marine bacteria and fungi as a valuable source for new natural products. It provides a summary of the data regarding the antibacterial, antimalarial, anticarcinogenic, antibiofilm, and anti-inflammatory effects demonstrated by marine microorganisms. There is currently a great need for scientific and applied research on bioactive secondary metabolites of marine microorganisms from the standpoint of human and animal health.

Research Progress in Anti-Inflammatory Bioactive Substances Derived from Marine Microorganisms, Sponges, Algae, and Corals

Inflammation is the body’s defense reaction in response to stimulations and is the basis of various physiological and pathological processes. However, chronic inflammation is undesirable and closely related to the occurrence and development of diseases. The ocean gives birth to unique and diverse bioactive substances, which have gained special attention and been a focus for anti-inflammatory drug development. So far, numerous promising bioactive substances have been obtained from various marine organisms such as marine bacteria and fungi, sponges, algae, and coral. This review covers 71 bioactive substances described during 2015–2020, including the structures (65 of which), species sources, evaluation models and anti-inflammatory activities of these substances. This review aims to provide some reference for the research progress of marine-organism-derived anti-inflammatory metabolites and give more research impetus for their conversion to novel anti-inflammatory drugs.