Challenges for the Development and Use of Marine Natural Products

Marine environments are known to be difficult and complex. To survive in hostile environments, living organisms have developed functional and metabolic adaptive mechanisms, which we are still far from knowing and taking full advantage of. Many compounds of marine origin are structurally complex and have unique functionalities, whose potential goes beyond pharmaceuticals, reaching cosmeceuticals, nutraceuticals, biomaterials and energy. Based on knowledge and technical development, cooperation between academia and industry allows for the sustainable use of marine resources. The present survey does not aim to be exhaustive, we intend to have an idea of the present situation and of future prospects.