Marine specialized metabolites: Unveiling Nature's chemical treasures from the deep blue

Abstract

Marine specialized metabolites (MSM) represent a fascinating realm of chemical diversity with multifaceted functions across the spectrum of life on Earth. These metabolites serve as weapons, metal transporters, regulatory agents, and more. The conservation of genes responsible for their production over extensive evolutionary timescales underscores their selective advantage. Recent decades have witnessed an upsurge in MSM studies, driven by advancements in analytical techniques and the ever-growing accessibility of the aquatic environment. Marine macro and microorganisms offer a rich tapestry of specialized metabolites, some exhibiting potent activities in diverse domains, including medicine. The study of MSM presents several challenges, reflecting the need to separate complex mixtures into individual bioactive metabolites and utilize state-of-the-art extraction methods. Comprehensive structural analysis relies on advanced spectroscopic approaches, including nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. These tools are instrumental in unravelling the chemical diversity of MSM and understanding their potential applications. While bioprospecting offers enormous potential, it raises critical challenges concerning sustainability, conservation, and equitable benefit-sharing. International protocols like the Nagoya Protocol seeks to regulate access to and share benefits from genetic resources, with considerable implications for marine bioprospecting. The convergence of advanced metabolomics, metagenomics, and synthetic biology offers promising avenues for accelerating the discovery and sustainable production of MSM, shaping the future of this field. This comprehensive review provides a deep dive into the challenges, methodologies, and emerging trends in studying marine-derived natural products, underscoring the immense potential of MSM for advancing chemical sciences and their transformative applications in diverse areas such as food, medicine, biotechnology, and environmental conservation. By bridging multiple disciplines, the continued exploration and sustainable utilization of these metabolites hold the promise of unlocking new innovations for society's benefit.