International Research Journal of Education and Technology

Various organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and plants, are known for their ability to synthesize secondary metabolites, often referred to as natural products. Natural products have emerged as a prolific source of inspiration for the creation of diverse medical agents. These agents exhibit a wide range of chemical structures and biological activities, encompassing attributes like antimicrobial, immunosuppressive, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Many of these compounds have not only been developed into treatments but also hold promising therapeutic potential for addressing various human diseases. In addition to natural products, recent advancements in recombinant DNA technology have ushered in a new era of biopharmaceutical products, including recombinant proteins. These innovations have significantly advanced the treatment landscape for an extensive array of medical conditions. This article aims to introduce the chemical structures and the diverse biological activities associated with natural products and recombinant proteins, both of which have become invaluable assets in the realms of medicine, agriculture, and insect control. Furthermore, the piece will delve into past and ongoing endeavors and accomplishments in harnessing robust microorganisms as cell factories for the production of biologically active compounds. It will also explore multidisciplinary engineering approaches that are geared towards enhancing the yields of microbial production of natural products and proteins, as well as the creation of novel molecules. Throughout the narrative, we will propose potential avenues through which biologically active compounds derived from microorganisms and their analogs can continue to serve as wellsprings of inspiration for the development of novel therapeutic agents in both academic and industrial settings.

Keywords: Microbial synthesis, Bioactive compounds, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Revolution, Pharmaceutical industry, Microorganism