Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (1+1)

5.1.1. Introduction

Marine bioactive compounds are organic compounds produced by microbes, sponges, gorgonians, soft and hard corals seaweeds, and other marine organisms. These products are the current interest of industry for new drugs and chemicals.

Marine microorganisms form highly specific and symbiotic relationships with filter-feeding organisms like sponges, alcyonarians, ascidians and marine plants. The host organism synthesizes these compounds as non-primary or secondary metabolites to protect themselves and to maintain homeostasis in their environment.

A diverse array of bioactive compounds can be isolated from the extracts of marine organisms. Many of them have novel chemical structures which may lead to the development of entirely new drugs and therapeutic agents.

· Anti-cancer agents have been isolated from algae, sponges, jellyfish, corals, shark cartilage and shellfish.

· The pacific oyster contains a substance which may help diabetics by promoting the secretion of insulin.

· Chemicals found in sponges may be used to treat yeast and fungi.

· A poison emitted by the cone snail has been found to prevent brain damage in animals after a head injury or stroke, and offers great promise in future applications in humans. The bioactive substances extracted from different marine organisms is discussed in this chapter.