Mudflat halophilic microbiome: research progress in biotechnology and eco-environmental sustainability

Abstract

Mudflat is a type of tidal flat ecosystem which thrive between open ocean and mangroves and is influenced by stressful environmental conditions. The mudflat is rich in biodiversity of which microbes offers a valuable resource to the environment and society. However, there is restricted information about practical applications of the discoveries in mudflat from different intertidal regions of the world. In addition, the problem lies in the limited exploration of marine halophilic microorganisms from mudflats, hindering the identification of stable bioactive compounds. Considering this, the study aims to give deeper understanding of the mudflat ecosystem, their dynamic significance and biodiversity interaction with special emphasis on halophilic biotechnology. Herein, the review initially elaborates global mudflat sites, physical and biological characteristics, geological significance and macro and microbial biodiversity. Additionally, the review uncovers the developments in mudflats along with the distribution and biotechnological role of halophilic microbes. Moreover, the study emphasized the recent advancement to unveil composition and functional microbial diversity, current practical challenges, technology readiness for scaling mudflat discoveries and future outlook for further exploration of the mudflat ecosystem for biotechnology and eco-environmental sustainability.