Leveraging Microbial Natural Products for Pharmaceutical Innovation: A Vision of Inspiration and Future Prospects

Microorganisms, abundant in nature, are prolific producers of a diverse array of natural products (NPs) that are pivotal in the development of innovative therapeutics. Despite their immense potential, the field also faces formidable challenges, including the ongoing emergence of potential health threats, as well as novel pathogen strains and viruses. Fortunately, the advent and application of advanced technologies, such as culture strategies, genomics mining, and artificial intelligence (AI), are precipitating a paradigm shift in pharmaceutical research, introducing innovative methods and perspectives. The inception and maturation of these technologies have significantly bolstered the exploration of microbial-derived NPs, thereby fostering substantial advancements in pharmaceutical research and development. This review consolidates recent advancements in this context, with a particular focus on their applications in pharmaceutical discovery and development. Through comprehensive analysis and summary, it aims to provide objective insights into the inspiring prospects and future trajectory of this critical field.