327
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2017
S. Sugathan et al. (eds.), Bioresources and Bioprocess in Biotechnology,
DOI 10.1007/978-981-10-4284-3_13
Lini Nirmala (*)
Department of Biotechnology, Mar Ivanios College,
Bethany Hills, Thiruvananthapuram 695015, Kerala, India
e-mail: lininirmala@gmail.com
D.P. Zyju
Thermofisher Scientific, Dubai, UAE
e-mail: zyju.dp@gmail.com
13
Novel Sources of Antimicrobials
Lini Nirmala and D.P. Zyju
Abstract
The battle between humanity and pathogenic microorganisms started since the
appearance of human race on earth. The challenges posed by pathogenic microbes
by their antibiotic resistance forced the scientific community to think out of the
box and look for unusual natural sources of antimicrobials. Nature has always
been a great source of bioactive compounds. Both marine and terrestrial organisms are being explored for novel compounds as the secondary metabolites produced by them could have antimicrobial properties. Terrestrial plants, their
symbiotic associations, animals and their products, and soil microorganisms produce various compounds that have antimicrobial activity. Several thousands of
bioactive compounds have been identified from different types of marine organisms including invertebrates and their symbiotic associations, algae, fungi, and
higher plants. Due to the unique metabolic requirements and ecological adaptations, organisms from extreme habitats grab great attention as the source of novel
bioactive compounds. Deep-sea sediments have been proved to be another rich
source of microorganisms that produce antimicrobial compounds which are
active even against drug-resistant bacteria. Right use of new technologies in the
systematic exploration of the vast fauna and flora has been providing novel antimicrobial leads and new drugs. The current chapter highlights several novel
sources of antimicrobials which are being explored.
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2017
S. Sugathan et al. (eds.), Bioresources and Bioprocess in Biotechnology,
DOI 10.1007/978-981-10-4284-3_13
Lini Nirmala (*)
Department of Biotechnology, Mar Ivanios College,
Bethany Hills, Thiruvananthapuram 695015, Kerala, India
e-mail: lininirmala@gmail.com
D.P. Zyju
Thermofisher Scientific, Dubai, UAE
e-mail: zyju.dp@gmail.com
13
Novel Sources of Antimicrobials
Lini Nirmala and D.P. Zyju
Abstract
The battle between humanity and pathogenic microorganisms started since the
appearance of human race on earth. The challenges posed by pathogenic microbes
by their antibiotic resistance forced the scientific community to think out of the
box and look for unusual natural sources of antimicrobials. Nature has always
been a great source of bioactive compounds. Both marine and terrestrial organisms are being explored for novel compounds as the secondary metabolites produced by them could have antimicrobial properties. Terrestrial plants, their
symbiotic associations, animals and their products, and soil microorganisms produce various compounds that have antimicrobial activity. Several thousands of
bioactive compounds have been identified from different types of marine organisms including invertebrates and their symbiotic associations, algae, fungi, and
higher plants. Due to the unique metabolic requirements and ecological adaptations, organisms from extreme habitats grab great attention as the source of novel
bioactive compounds. Deep-sea sediments have been proved to be another rich
source of microorganisms that produce antimicrobial compounds which are
active even against drug-resistant bacteria. Right use of new technologies in the
systematic exploration of the vast fauna and flora has been providing novel antimicrobial leads and new drugs. The current chapter highlights several novel
sources of antimicrobials which are being explored.