Iron Harvesters: Exploring Microbial Siderophores and Their Diverse Applications in Biomedicine

Microbial siderophores play a crucial role in iron acquisition and homeostasis, with potential applications in antimicrobial therapy and cancer treatment. This study aimed to explore the types of siderophores and their roles in various applications. Several siderophores were identified and investigated for their potential applications. The study utilized a combination of literature review and analysis to identify and explore siderophores. In antimicrobial therapy, siderophores showed promise as novel agents against drug-resistant bacteria, significantly inhibiting pathogen growth through iron chelation. Additionally, in cancer treatment, siderophores were explored as carriers for targeted drug delivery, demonstrating high affinity for iron and selective cytotoxic drug delivery to cancer cells. These findings underscore the potential of siderophores in biomedical applications, offering new strategies for combating infections and advancing cancer treatment. This study aims to classify major siderophores and their subtypes, including hydroxamate, catecholate, and carboxylate siderophores, to provide a comprehensive understanding of their roles and potential applications.