Exploring Potential of Aspergillus sclerotiorum: Secondary Metabolites and Biotechnological Relevance

Abstract

Fungi have been proven to be an inexhaustible treasure for structural-unique bioactive metabolites. Aspergillus sclerotiorum (Aspergillaceae) is a source of different enzymes that could have potential biotechnological and industrial applications. Also, this fungus has the capacity to biosynthesize different metabolites: pyrazines, cyclic peptides, indole derivatives, diketopiperazines, butenolides, and lovastatin analogs with diversified bioactivities. It is noteworthy that diketopiperazines and butenolides are the most bioactive metabolites that possessed marked antimicrobial and cytotoxic potentials. The current review aims to discuss the metabolites produced by A. sclerotiorum, including their structures, bioactivities, and proposed biosynthesis, as well as the biotechnological applications of this fungus in the period from 1958 to September 2022. A total of 104 metabolites and 91 references have been listed.