极地微生物--新天然药物的潜在来源

Polar microorganisms,a potential source for new natural medicines-A review

微生物是极地生态系统的重要组成部分。由于极地独特的地理、气候及环境特点,极地微生物所具有的新颖性与多样性,在科学研究、应用开发等方面都具有重要价值,并逐渐受到人们的广泛关注。有关极地微生物的资源勘探与代谢活性产物研究,已成为国际微生物学研究的热点之一。结合笔者的工作实践,对近年来极地微生物资源的勘探与收集情况进行了介绍,并着重对以医药与生物农药等为目标的极地微生物产活性化合物的研究现状进行了概述,同时还对目前一些影响研究工作开展的限制因素进行了讨论。可以预见,针对极地微生物资源的研究开发工作,将会给新型天然药物的筛选与发现带来新的机遇与突破。

Microorganisms are an important component of polar ecosystems. Based on the unique features of geographical location, climate and environment of polar regions, the novelty and biodiversity of polar microorganisms have attracted an increasing attention for their significant values in both scientific research and resources exploitation. Bioprospecting and natural products research of polar microorganisms have become a hot field of microbiology. In this review, following the introduction of bioprospecting and culture collection of polar microorganisms in recent years, the research and development of microbial bioactive compounds aimed for pharmaceuticals and biological agriculture chemicals are summarized. In addition, factors that currently limit the research progress are discussed. It is believed that the resources exploitation of polar microorganisms can provide an opportunity for discovery of new natural medicines. Compared to human pharmaceuticals, the research and development of biological agriculture chemicals has more possibilities to achieve a breakthrough in a short period of time.