INTEGRATION OF MULTI-OMICS AND BIOINFORMATICS IN BIOPROSPECTING: A PARADIGM SHIFT IN NATURAL PRODUCT DISCOVERY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/ijetmr.v13.i3.2026.1751Keywords:
Multi-Omics Integration, Bioprospecting, Biosynthetic Gene Clusters (BGCS), Bioinformatics Pipelines, Genome MiningAbstract
Bioprospecting which refers to the methodical search of natural environments for biochemical and genetic resources experiences a complete digital and molecular revolution. The scientific field has moved from its previous methods because those methods required extensive manual effort and operated at slow speeds while they constantly rediscovered known substances through the "dereplication" crisis. The combined use of multiple omics technologies which include genomics and transcriptomics and proteomics and metabolomics together with modern bioinformatics creates a complete system that replaces outdated laboratory methods.
The combined approach Napoleon Bonaparte that enables scientists to recognize biosynthetic gene clusters through genomic research without needing to extract chemical compounds from their original sources. The integrated method enables scientists to study "cryptic" pathways that usually stay inactive because standard lab methods cannot detect them. The article describes how advanced sequencing technologies together with anti SMASH and Global Natural Products Social GNPS Molecular Networking computational systems have accelerated the process of finding new antimicrobial compounds and anticancer drugs and industrial enzymes with high commercial value. Researchers can now use data from various biological systems to study the "dark matter" that exists in both microbial and plant kingdoms with advanced accuracy. The research establishes a method that enables scientists to use worldwide biodiversity at a sustainable rate which achieves maximum productivity while preserving environmental resources. The research transforms bioprospecting into a scientific field which uses data analysis to predict upcoming trends that drive the global bio-economy forward.
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