Bioprospecting Marine Fungal Enzymes-Scope and Challenges

Abstract

Marine microorganisms are promising source of enzymes with industrial applications due to their immense genetic and biochemical diversity. Availability of novel enzymes, advancements in enzymology and enzyme technology have significantly contributed to the industrial application of enzymes and the rapid expansion of the enzyme market. In this context marine fungal enzymes assume greater attention recently owing to the great demand for novel and efficient biocatalysts for industrial applications and other services. This situation has warranted exploration of marine fungal biodiversity for new enzymes. The present review focus on bioprospecting of marine fungal enzymes produced by lesser studied fungi, identification of research gaps, challenges in pursuing research in harnessing the potentials of marine fungi, and the scope for future prospects. Role of fungal enzymes in biogeochemical processes in marine environments, bioremediation, and plastic degradation is discussed indicating marine fungi as source of industrial enzymes. Scope for exploring marine fungal diversity and potentials of extremozymes, cold adaptive enzymes and halophilic fungal enzymes, besides the need for bioprocess development are discussed. Moreover, the challenges lying ahead in pursuing research on marine fungi are also discussed to draw the attention of mycologists and biotechnologists to appropriately harness the marine fungi.