Biotechnological and Pharmaceutical Potential of Mangrove Endophytes From the Sundarbans, Bangladesh: A Review

Abstract

Mangrove endophytes have significant potential across medicine, agriculture, and industry due to their ability to adapt to extreme conditions, resulting in the production of unique compounds, including secondary metabolites, enzymes, and phytohormones. They show promise as sources of new drugs for various diseases, including cancer and infections, as well as agents for agricultural use, such as biocontrol and plant growth promotion, and can also produce valuable industrial enzymes. Mangrove Endophytes are Unique because they are adapted to harsh conditions, including high salinity and waterlogged, anoxic soil. This adaptation drives them to produce unique metabolites and enzymes to survive and compete in their challenging environment. The Sundarbans in Bangladesh is the world's largest contiguous mangrove forest, an expansive delta region formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. This unique and dynamic ecosystem is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a biosphere reserve, renowned for its incredible biodiversity. The Sundarbans is a significant source of endophytes, especially fungal endophytes, because its harsh, unique ecosystem pressures symbiotic microorganisms to produce a wide range of potent bioactive compounds. Research on Sundarbans endophytes is an area of growing interest, particularly for discovering new antimicrobial agents and exploring their potential in agriculture. Despite the significant potential, research into mangrove endophytes of the Sunderbans is still in its early stages. Many species remain unexplored, and further investigation is needed to fully understand their ecological roles and harness their full potential. The use of advanced molecular techniques and innovative cultivation methods, such as epigenetic modification and co-cultivation, is expected to reveal even more valuable metabolites for future applications. The biotechnological and medicinal potential of mangrove endophytes from Bangladesh's Sundarbans is discussed in this review. These endophytes can be used to create powerful new medications, enzymes, biodiesel, biopesticides, and many other products.

Bioresearch Commu. 12(1): 2043-2061, 2026 (January)