Zeitschrift für antimikrobielle Wirkstoffe

Exploring the Antimicrobial Potential of Marine-derived Bioactive Compounds

Abstract

Acouetey Annie*

The vast and largely unexplored marine environment represents a rich source of bioactive compounds with significant antimicrobial potential. Marine organisms, ranging from microorganisms to macroalgae and invertebrates, have evolved unique chemical defense mechanisms to survive in diverse and competitive habitats. These adaptations have led to the production of a wide array of secondary metabolites with potent antimicrobial properties. The growing threat of multidrug-resistant pathogens and the diminishing efficacy of traditional antibiotics have intensified the search for novel antimicrobial agents from marine sources. This exploration holds promise for discovering new drugs that can combat resistant infections and expand our arsenal of antimicrobial therapies. Marine-derived bioactive compounds are characterized by their structural diversity and novel modes of action, which differentiate them from terrestrial natural products and synthetic antibiotics. The unique conditions of the marine environment, such as high pressure, varying temperatures, and distinct ecological interactions, drive the biosynthesis of these compounds.