Techniques and Tools in Secondary Metabolite Analysis

Abstract

Secondary metabolites are diverse, biologically active compounds that play critical roles in ecological interactions, such as defence mechanisms, signalling, and competition etc of the organism. These compounds are difficult to detect due to their low abundance and complexity but hold significant potential in unravelling biological processes. The complexity and diversity of secondary metabolites depends on innovative methods to improve detection. The study of secondary metabolites involves a wide range of analytical techniques aimed at identifying, characterizing, and quantifying these compounds. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of various analytical methods used to study secondary metabolites, highlighting their importance in unravelling the complexity of these compounds and their bioactive potential.