Microbial Fermentation: A Sustainable Strategy for Producing High-Value Bioactive Compounds for Agriculture, Animal Feed, and Human Health

Microbial fermentation is a key biotechnological tool for producing bioactive metabo-lites such as alkaloids, carotenoids, essential oils, and phenolic compounds, among others, with applications in human health, agriculture, and food industries. This re-view comprehensively reviews recent information on the synthesis of valuable com-pounds and enzymes through fermentation processes. Here, we discuss the advantages of the different types of fermentation, such as submerged and solid-state fermentation, in optimizing metabolite production by bacteria, fungi, and yeast. The role of microbial metabolism, enzymatic activity, and fermentation conditions in enhancing the bioa-vailability and functionality of these compounds is discussed. Integrating fermentation with emerging biotechnologies, including metabolic engineering, further enhances yields and specificity. The potential of microbial-derived bioactive compounds in de-veloping functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and eco-friendly agricultural solutions positions fermentation as a pivotal strategy for future biotechnological advancements. Therefore, microbial fermentation is a sustainable tool to obtain high-quality metabo-lites from different sources that can be used in agriculture, animal, and human health.