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By Deepikha Ramesh
Beneath the crashing waves of the ocean lies a whole realm of groundbreakingbiotechnological advancements referred to as Blue Gold, a term given for the future of medicine, energy, and sustainability – the marine bacteria. The ocean is the habitat of a huge number of organisms and microorganisms. Among these microbes, most exist in extreme living conditions like hydrothermal vents and deep trenches. These microorganisms contain a large amount of untapped bioresources as they possess unique biochemical properties that can produce scientific products having diverse applications that range from bioremediation, enzymes, toxins, pigments, cellulase, exopolysaccharides, bacteriocins, biosurfactants, antibacterial treatments, etc. Marine bacteria are emerging as a sustainable resource for unlocking revolutionary advancements in some of the toughest challenges in healthcare, energy, and industrial processes.
Scientists across the world are researching multiple innovative techniques to tap into this hidden potential of these bacteria. One of the major approaches undertaken is marine bioprospecting, in which they collect bacteria’s genetic and biochemical material for studies. Every bacterium is now isolated, and its genotype is researched using genomic sequencing to figure out the resourceful genes that are responsible for valuable products and processes. Further, this acquired information is used in bioprocess engineering, where the strains are utilized to produce useful bioproducts such as antibiotics, enzymes, and more. In addition to this, multiple synthetic biology techniques are applied to enhance the natural potential of the bacteria. For example, bacteria can be genetically engineered to increase their ability to cancel out the toxicity of the pathogen.
All the above methods come under upstream processing, while downstream processing is also vital. This is used to mass-produce desirable compounds under controlled and sustainable conditions from the marine bacteria.
The prime applications of these marine bacteria are promising breakthroughs in the medical industry with the rise of new antibiotics, as these bacteria have developed resistance to harsh environments, which has resulted in the production of new and efficient bioactive materials. For example, marine-derived Streptomyces has resulted in compounds like salinosporamide A, which is a potential cancer cure. The ability possessed by these bacteria to produce enzymes functioning under extreme conditions, such as cold-adapted proteases, is useful in food processing industries. These bacteria have also found usefulness in the textile and cleaning supplies industries. Most bacteria play a crucial role in bioremediation, which involves cleaning up oil spills. Some of these can break down hydrocarbons, helping to reduce environmental damage.
These marine bacteria are being further explored for their potential to produce bioplastics. As we start to get concerned about climate change and pollution, of which plastics are a major part, bioplastics made from these bacteria are gaining attention for their biodegradable nature. Additionally, marine bacteria are being explored for their role in carbon sequestration, potentially mitigating the impacts of climate change by capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
This exploration of the blue gold has begun to affect everyday life through its applications in the healthcare industry and environmental sustainability and the global economy. From cures for diseases to more eco-friendly practices to environmental challenges like oil spills, marine bacteria can be harvested. Their ability to thrive in extreme conditions offers solutions that no other organism can provide, marking their value and earning them the title of blue gold. As research progresses, the findings about them that are sustainable and efficient benefit the environment and humankind. With continued exploration and innovation, these marine bacteria could be central in solving some of the world’s pressing problems
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