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© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
K. Dhusia et al. (eds.), Fungal Siderophores, Fungal Biology,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-53077-8_9
Chapter 9
Fungal Siderophores: Prospects
and Applications
Sharanya Manoharan, Oviya Iyappan Ramalakshmi,
and Sathishkumar Ramasamy
Contents
9.1 Introduction
141
9.1.1 Iron Acquisition in Fungi
142
9.2 Fungal Siderophores
142
9.3 Fungal Siderophore Synthesis and Function
143
9.4 Applications of Fungal Siderophores
144
9.4.1 Agriculture Impacts
145
9.4.2 Environment Impacts
147
9.4.3 Health Care
149
9.5 Experimental Techniques
151
9.6 Conclusion
152
References
152
9.1 Introduction
Iron is an essential element for all living kinds, trivial for the synthesis of amino
acids, DNA, and sterols as well as involvement in enzymatic processes and
oxidation- reduction reactions. Iron is abundant in the Earth’s crust; however its bioavailability is low due to the oxidation by atmospheric oxygen into ferric hydroxides. Though the rivalry in acquiring environmental iron exists, excess of iron utter
its toxicity via oxidative stress and damaged ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species).
Therefore, iron homeostasis has to be tightly regulated. Pathogenic and
S. Manoharan (*)
Department of Bioinformatics, Stella Maris College (Autonomous), Chennai, Tamil Nadu,
India
O. I. Ramalakshmi
Department of Biotechnology, Jaya College of Arts and Science,
Thiruninravur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
S. Ramasamy
Department of Biotechnology, Kongunadu Arts and Science College (Autonomous),
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India