Enzyme producing insect gut microbes: an unexplored biotechnological aspect

Abstract

To explore the unmapped biotechnologically important microbial platforms for human welfare, the insect gut system is such a promising arena. Insects, the inhabitant of all ecological niches, harbor a healthy diversified microbial population in their versatile gut environment. This deep-rooted symbiotic relationship between insects and gut microbes is the result of several indispensable microbial performances that include: enzyme production, detoxification of plant defense compounds and insecticides, maintenance of life cycle, host fertility, bioremediation, pest biocontrol, production of antimicrobial compounds, and in addition provide vitamins, amino acids, and lactic acids to their hosts. Insects have developed such symbiotic interactions with different microorganisms for nutritional benefits like the digestion of dietary compounds by the production of several key hydrolytic enzymes viz: amylase, cellulase, lignocellulase, protease, lipase, xylanase, pectinase, chitinase, laccase, etc. The nutritional enrichment offered by these microbes to insects may be the key factor in the evolutionary attainment of this group. Around one million insect species are grouped under 31 orders, however, only ten of such groups' have been studied in relation to enzyme-producing gut microbes. Moreover, insect gut symbionts are a potential source of biotechnologically active biomolecules as these microbes go through a course of selection pressures in their host gut environment. As symbiosis has pronounced potential regarding the production of novel compounds, especially enzymes with multidimensional industrial capabilities, so there are ample scopes to explore this treasure box for human welfare. Biological significance as well as industrially compatible capabilities can categorize these insect gut symbionts as an unexplored biotechnological aspect.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Insect gut microbes
• microbial diversity
• enzyme production
• biological significance of gut microbes
• industrial application
• biotechnologically important microbial enzymes

Acknowledgments

S. Banerjee and R.N. Roy are grateful to the University Grants Commission (UGC), India, for financial support [File No. 39-391/2010 (SR)].

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the University Grants Commission, India [File No. 39-391/2010 (SR)].