The biotechnological potential of Aeromonas: a bird’s eye view

Abstract

The genus Aeromonas comprises Gram-negative bacilli widely distributed in aquatic habitats that can also be found in the terrestrial environment and in close association with humans and animals. Aeromonas spp. are particularly versatile bacteria, with high genomic plasticity and notable capacity to adapt to different environments and extreme conditions. On account of being mostly associated with their pathogenic potential, research on the biotechnological potentialities of Aeromonas spp. is considerably scarce when compared to other bacterial groups. Nonetheless, studies over the years have been hinting at several interesting hidden potentialities in this bacterial group, especially with the recent advances in whole-genome sequencing, unveiling Aeromonas spp. as interesting candidates for the discovery of novel industrial biocatalysts, bioremediation strategies, and biopolyester production. In this context, the present study aims to provide an overview of the main biotechnological applications reported in the genus Aeromonas and provide new insights into the further exploration of these frequently overlooked, yet fascinating, bacteria.

Keywords:

• Aeromonas
• biodiscovery
• bioplastics
• bioremediation
• biotechnology

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) under Grant number 306395/2020-7; Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) under Grant number 88887.613830/2021-00, Financial Code 001; Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro under Grant numbers E-26/200.948/2021, E-26/211.284/2021.