Unlocking the Bioactive Potential of Streptomyces: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Strain Improvement

Streptomyces is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria renowned for its remarkable ability to produce a diverse array of secondary metabolites (SMs), many of which possess significant pharmaceutical and agricultural value. Unlocking the full biopotential of Streptomyces is increasingly important in the quest for new therapeutics and sustainable solutions to global challenges, such as antibiotic resistance and food security. This review paper aims to bridge gaps in the literature by providing a comprehensive, integrative overview of recent advances in Streptomyces strain improvement. It discusses optimization of SM production in Streptomyces through a multidisciplinary approach. It also highlights the integration of traditional methods with modern genetic and metabolic engineering techniques to improve biosynthetic pathways, as well as adaptive laboratory evolution for strain development, systems, and fermentation, aiming to maximize the production of valuable bioactive compounds. While previous studies have explored individual aspects of strain optimization, this review presents a unified perspective on how these strategies can be applied effectively. This review not only enhances the understanding of Streptomyces biopotential but also addresses the need for a holistic framework that considers both established and emerging techniques in strain improvement. By filling these gaps, this review contributes to a more complete understanding of how to optimize Streptomyces for the production of valuable bioactive compounds, guiding future innovations and applications in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.