Microalgal Metabolites: Nature’s Blueprint for Novel Bioactive Compounds
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61453/INTIj.20260340Keywords:
Bioactive compounds, Cyanobacteria, Marine drug discovery, Microalgae, Secondary metabolitesAbstract
Microalgae represent a vast reservoir of chemically diverse metabolites that play critical roles in marine ecosystems. As primary producers, they not only sustain oceanic food webs but also generate unique bioactive compounds through biosynthetic pathways distinct from those of terrestrial organisms. Secondary metabolites from microalgae exhibit remarkable structural diversity, ranging from polyketides to polycyclic ethers (saxitoxin, domoic acid, okadaic acid, maitotoxin, lyngbyatoxin, and kahalalide F) many of which hold ecological, pharmacological, and biotechnological significance. Recent advances in molecular biology have illuminated the genetic basis of metabolite biosynthesis, including the identification of gene clusters linked to toxin production and novel polyketide backbone formation. Taxonomic and phylogenetic perspectives further reveal the evolutionary underpinnings of metabolite distribution across algal groups. Beyond their ecological roles, these compounds have spurred interest due to their potential applications in drug discovery, bioenergy, and environmental monitoring. By integrating insights from biosynthetic mechanisms, genetic regulation and evolutionary context, microalgal metabolites can be viewed not only as chemical curiosities but also as key drivers of marine chemical ecology and promising resources for biotechnology.
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