Aspergillus ochraceus: Metabolites, Bioactivities, Biosynthesis, and Biotechnological Potential

Abstract

Fungus continues to attract great attention as a promising pool of biometabolites. Aspergillus ochraceus Wilh (Aspergillaceae) has established its capacity to biosynthesize a myriad of metabolites belonging to different chemical classes, such as isocoumarins, pyrazines, sterols, indole alkaloids, diketopiperazines, polyketides, peptides, quinones, polyketides, and sesquiterpenoids, revealing various bioactivities that are antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, and neuroprotective. Additionally, A. ochraceus produces a variety of enzymes that could have variable industrial and biotechnological applications. From 1965 until June 2022, 165 metabolites were reported from A. ochraceus isolated from different sources. In this review, the formerly separated metabolites from A. ochraceus, including their bioactivities and biosynthesis, in addition, the industrial and biotechnological potential of A. ochraceus are highlighted.