Microbial Siderophores: Structure, Production, and the Application Potential in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Siderophores are low molecular weight organic molecules produced by microorganisms under iron-restricted conditions. These metabolites are responsible for the transport of iron into microorganisms and have a high affinity to bind to ferric iron (Fe3+) and produce iron chelates. Siderophores can be divided into three main groups: catechols, hydroxamates, and carboxylates, depending on the parts that bind to iron. Of course, siderophores that have more than one type of iron ligand group are classified into a mixed category. Siderophores are used in ecology, agriculture, bioremediation and medicine. In this article, the synthesis pathway and function of siderophores, their role as antibiotics and their use as non-antibiotic drugs have been investigated. Other applications of siderophore in various industries are also briefly mentioned.