ARS | Publication request: Applications of metagenomics for industrial bioproducts

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: April 27, 2009
Publication Date: March 14, 2010
Citation: Wong, D. 2010. Applications of metagenomics for industrial bioproducts. Wong, D. Applications of metagenomics for industrial bioproducts. In: Marco, D., editor. Metagenomics: Theory, methods and applications. Norfolk, UK. Caister Academic Press.p. 141-158.

Technical Abstract: Recent progress in mining the rich genetic resource of non-culturable microbes has led to the discovery of new genes, enzymes, and natural products. The impact of metagenomics is witnessed in the development of commodity and fine chemicals, agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals where the benefit of enzyme-catalyzed chiral synthesis is increasingly recognized. Recovery of metabolic pathways and genes clusters involved in biosynthesis of antibiotics and bioactive molecules has increased the prospect of identifying useful natural and synthetic products for drug development. The discovery of biocatalysts operating optimally with high efficiency in conditions amendable to industrial processes requirements are key to successful development of food products, detergent additives, bioactive compounds, fuel alcohol and biodiesel, as well as optically active intermediates for drug and chemical synthesis.