BIOPROSPECTING MARINE MICROORGANISMS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ANTIBIOTICS AND ITS FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

Gayathiri G. S.*, Precilla Jennifer R. D. and Arun P.

ABSTRACT

Marine microorganisms are fascinating resources due to their novel natural products with antimicrobial activities. With the emergence of new diseases, it is necessary to develop antibiotics from natural resources. Marine microorganisms are unique and have the ability to produce antibiotics. Marine antibiotics are the antibiotics that are obtained from marine sources most probably marine microorganism. Scientists have reported the discovery of antibiotics; Asplasmomycin, himalomycin, pelagiomycin, cycloedusemol, prepacifernol, marinomycins – C and D. This indicates that marine biodiversity is rich in species that can produce antibiotics for various pathogens or diseases.

Keywords: Marine microorganisms, marine antibiotics, marine biodiversity, pathogens, diseases.