Microbial secondary metabolites (SMs) are pivotal components in biotechnology. These compounds, predominantly synthesized by specific microorganisms under environmental stresses, such as nutrient deficiencies, pH fluctuations, and metal ion exposure, are classified into numerous categories, including antibiotics, pigments, and enzyme inhibitors. The metabolic pathways that lead to the production of SMs are encoded by biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), which reside in chromosomal or plasmid DNA. BCGs are subject to intricate regulation, necessitating holistic studies from enzymatic and regulatory angles. SMs’ structural diversity expands their biotechnological utility across agricultural, health, industrial, and environmental sectors, influencing global health, nutrition, and economics substantially.

This Research Topic primarily aims to focus on recent inquiries into microbial SMs and their future applicability in various sectors, like agriculture and pharmaceuticals. While microbes offer SMs of high structural diversity and yields, challenges like reliable production and yield optimization persist. By investigating non-conventional microorganisms, employing metagenomics and genome mining techniques, and refining genetic engineering strategies, we can overcome these challenges. Advancements in microbial co-culture and computational methods for BGC analysis further promise enhanced yields and SM structural diversity, allowing us to tap into the vast, unrealized potential for discovery and industrialization of novel SMs.

To gather further insights in the realm of microbial SM production and application, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Microbial SM production, characterization, and scale-up.
• Microbial co-culture techniques for SM production.
• SM application in drug discovery.
• Agricultural and environmental application of SM producing strains.
• Synthetic biology and functional genomics for microbial SM production.
• Metabolic engineering of strains for SM production.

We invite Original Research, Methods, Reviews, Mini Reviews, and Perspectives articles.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Recent Advances in Biotechnological Applications of Microbial Secondary Metabolites, Vol II