Abstract
Drug Discovery Compounds in Microbial Chemistry: Microbial Sources and Chemical Innovation in Therapeutic Development
Author(s): Lucas M. FerreiraAbstract Drug discovery compounds form the foundation of therapeutic development, and microbial chemistry plays a critical role in their identification, generation, and optimization. Microorganisms are prolific producers of chemically diverse molecules with biological activity, many of which serve as lead compounds for drug discovery. In addition, microbial systems can modify synthetic molecules to enhance their pharmacological properties. This article examines the contribution of microbial chemistry to drug discovery compounds, highlighting biosynthesis, chemical diversity, and microbial-based screening as key drivers of pharmaceutical innovation.