Emerging Trends of Biotechnology in Marine Bioprospecting: A New Vision

Abstract

The ocean, which is called the “mother of origin of life,” is also the source of structurally unique natural products that are mainly accumulated in living organisms. Several of these compounds show pharmacological activities and are helpful for the invention and discovery of bioactive compounds. Marine biotechnology is the science in which marine organisms are used in full or partially to make or modify products, to improve plants or animals, or to develop microorganisms for specific uses. With the help of different molecular and biotechnological techniques, humans have been able to elucidate many biological methods applicable to both aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Marine biotechnology is an innovative field of research in science and technology concerning the support of living organisms with marine products and tools. To understand the omics of the living species, it is a novel way to produce genetically modified food, drugs, and energy to overcome global demand. The exploitation of biotechnology for drug discovery, including enzymes, antibiotics, and biopolymers, and chemical compounds from marine sources is deliberated in this Chapter. In addition, well-known and broadly used analytical techniques are derived from marine molecules or enzymes, including green fluorescence protein gene tagging methods and heat-resistant polymerases used in the polymerase chain reaction. Advances in bacterial identification, metabolic profiling, and physical handling of cells are being revolutionized by techniques such as mass spectrometric analysis of bacterial proteins. Advances in instrumentation and a combination of these physical advances with progress in proteomics and bioinformatics are accelerating our ability to harness biology for commercial gain. The objective of this review is to highlight some of the recent developments and findings in the area of marine biotechnology with special reference to the biomedical potential of marine natural organisms.