Microbial Metabolites

Microbial Metabolites List

Microbial metabolites are intermediate or end products of microbial metabolism, which are involved in the various biochemical reactions in microorganisms. Microbial metabolites include various organic compounds, such as amino acids, nucleotides, fermented alcohols, signal molecules, growth factors, etc. They play an immense role in healthcare, and are a major source of essential nutrients for all life forms. The inherent characteristic of microbial metabolites is their origin, that is to say their specific producer. Different producers are related to various biological activities and functions of microbial metabolites.

Classification

Microbial metabolites are classified into primary metabolites and secondary metabolites^[1].

• Primary metabolites

Metabolites produced in early phase of microbial growth are involved in cellular growth and development and are termed as primary metabolites. Various microorganism species share similar primary metabolites, including amino acids, nucleotides, organic acids, microbial peptides, etc., which are widely used for human health. For example, microbial peptides are related in peptide vaccines and the degradation of bacterial toxins.

• Secondary metabolites

Metabolites produced in the late phase of microbial growth and development and are termed as secondary metabolites. They are not involved in any essential functions like cell division and growth of microorganisms. Secondary metabolites include a wide range of bioactive compounds like antibiotics, toxins, enzyme inhibitors, polyketides, etc., which are widely used in various fields. For example, polyketides, a group of bioactive secondary metabolites and are used in medicine due to their diverse biological and pharmaceutical activities.

Biological Activity of Secondary Metabolites

Among microbial metabolites, secondary metabolites are the most widely used due to their multiple biological activities, and the main biological activities of secondary metabolites are described below.

• Antiviral activity
• Biomedical activity
• Agricultural activity
• Antimicrobial activity

• Regulatory activity
• Biophysical activity
• Other inhibitory activity
• Pharmacological-biochemical activity

What We Offer?

Microorganisms are a promising class of natural product sources, which have made significant contributions to human, plant and animal health. Natural compounds obtained from microorganisms have proved their value in nutrition, agriculture and healthcare^[2]. Over many decades, Alfa Chemistry has partnership with a broad range of companies that explore the application of microbial metabolites. If you cannot find the microbial metabolites you need, please contact us. We also offer product customization according to customer's detailed requirements.

References

1. Reddy, S.; et al. Microbial secondary metabolites: recent developments and technological challenges. Volatiles and Metabolites of Microbes. 2021.
2. Singh, R.; et al. Microbial metabolites in nutrition, healthcare and agriculture. 3 Biotech. 2017, 7: 15.