Approach to knowledge of the microbial bioprospecting in Venezuela

Abstract

This exploratory research was based on the review of the proceedings of the Annual Convention of the Venezuelan Association for Science Advance (AsoVAC) between 2002 and 2017 about the investigations realized in native microorganisms with biotechnological potential. In this regard, the researchers from Venezuelan universities and scientific institutions have developed lines of research to address the subject on the biotechnological utilization of microorganisms. The results indicate that the University of Oriente has the biggest contribution with respect to the evaluation of the photosynthetic microorganisms for the aquaculture food production and the biotechnologically important metabolites production. On the other hand, non-photosynthetic microorganism investigations have been directed especially to study their applicability in agrobiotechnology as biofertilizers and biocontrol agents; likewise they are candidates for the bioremediation of polluted terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems by petroleum hydrocarbon, an area very investigated by researchers at the University of Zulia due to oil exploitation that takes place within its area. Another topic of interest that stands out is the study in thermophilic and psychrophilic bacteria by the researchers from the University of Carabobo and the University of Los Andes, respectively.