Secondary metabolites from Serratia sp. and their applications

Secondary metabolites are low-molecular-weight compounds produced by microorganisms, fungi, algae, and plants. Under different nutritional and cultural stress conditions, the expression of a few special clusters of genes gives rise to these metabolite productions, which perform different functions in the cell. Various studies confirm the beneficial applications of these metabolites in the areas of medicine, agriculture, food, and cosmetic industries. Serratia, a ubiquitous red-pigment-producing bacteria, forms different types of secondary metabolites, viz., prodigiosin, biosurfactant, enzymes, PGPR, and bioactive compounds. This chapter gives a preview of different types of secondary metabolites from Serratia sp. and a brief discussion of their applications in various fields.