Sponge–Microbial Symbiosis and Marine Extremozymes: Current Issues and Prospects

Praise Tochukwu Nnaji, H. Ruth Morse, Emmanuel Adukwu and Rachael U. Chidugu-Ogborigbo
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Praise Tochukwu Nnaji: Department of Applied Sciences, Frenchay Campus, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK
H. Ruth Morse: Department of Applied Sciences, Frenchay Campus, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK
Emmanuel Adukwu: Department of Applied Sciences, Frenchay Campus, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK
Rachael U. Chidugu-Ogborigbo: Department of Applied Sciences, Frenchay Campus, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 12, 1-10

Abstract: Marine microorganisms have great potential for producing extremozymes. They enter useful relationships like many other organisms in the marine habitat. Sponge–microbial symbiosis enables both sponges and microorganisms to mutually benefit each other while performing their activities within the ecosystem. Sponges, because of their nature as marine cosmopolitan benthic epifaunas and filter feeders, serve as a host for many extremophilic marine microorganisms. Potential extremozymes from microbial symbionts are largely dependent on their successful relationship. Extremozymes have found relevance in food processing, bioremediation, detergent, and drug production. Species diversity approach, industrial-scale bioremediation, integrative bioremediation software, government and industrial support are considered. The high cost of sampling, limited research outcomes, low species growth in synthetic media, laborious nature of metagenomics projects, difficulty in the development of synthetic medium, limited number of available experts, and technological knowhow are current challenges. The unique properties of marine extremozymes underpin their application in industry and biotechnological processes. There is therefore an urgent need for the development of cost-effective methods with government and industry support.

Keywords: extremozymes; sponges; symbiosis; marine; biotechnology; bioremediation; food processing; industry (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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