Metabolic versatility of Marinobacter and its biotechnological potential

Abstract

Bacteria belonging to the genus Marinobacter are Gram-negative, halotolerant or halophilic microorganisms. They are widely found in diverse marine and saline environments. These bacteria play crucial roles in the biogeochemical cycling of substances and energy in the global ocean. Along with their frequent interactions with other coexisting microorganisms, Marinobacter species have developed versatile metabolic capabilities, such as hydrocarbon degradation, biological denitrification, assimilation of metal(loid)s, and the synthesis of diverse bioactive compounds. Due to the outstanding adaptability to certain harsh environments, especially high salinity, and remarkable metabolic versatility, this genus has exhibited great potential in wastewater treatment, bioremediation, and bioproduction, and thus attracted increasing research interest from both academia and industry. The increasing number of sequenced Marinobacter genomes and the advancement of genetic manipulability have set a solid foundation for deepening the understanding of their ecological roles and driving the development of relevant biotechnological applications. However, practical applications are rare, and the current understanding on the genetic, biochemical, and structural bases of these metabolic processes remains still quite limited. With the further elucidation of the fundamental mechanisms of metabolic versatility, the applied research on the genus Marinobacter is expected to be considerably promoted in the future.