Microbial lectins: Roles and applications (Chapter 9)

Abstract

Lectins are the glycoproteins known to bind specifically to carbohydrates on the cell surface. Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses produce lectins that in turn provide the microbes with several advantages such as adhesion, infection, and inhibition of other microbes. Microbial lectins are unique in properties, which make them a valuable tool in various fields of biology such as immunology, oncology, and biochemistry. Microbial lectins are also responsible for several important bioprocesses such as bioremediation and bioflocculation. Lectin-mediated aggregation in microorganisms is responsible for bioflocculation of activated sludge as well as bioremediation of heavy metals. This chapter focuses on lectins from different microorganisms and the roles they exhibit, along with the mechanism of action. Different applications of microbial lectins exploited in diverse areas of biology have also been covered, with highlights of some practical approaches and research pertaining to microbial lectins.