Summary
This narrative review examines microbial siderophores—small, high-affinity iron-binding molecules—as multifunctional tools for One Health. The authors propose that by controlling iron and metal availability in soil-plant-animal-human systems, siderophores offer potential benefits across four domains: enhanced crop productivity, remediation of heavy metal pollution, prevention of pathogenic colonisation, and therapeutic treatment of established infections. The paper positions siderophores as complementary agents for advancing integrated human, animal, and environmental health.
Regional applicability
The review is mechanism-focused and geography-agnostic, therefore its principles are potentially applicable to United Kingdom farming and clinical practice. UK relevance depends on empirical field and clinical validation in temperate agroecosystems and healthcare settings; the abstract does not confirm such studies were included.
Key measures
Mechanistic pathways by which siderophores influence iron and metal bioavailability; qualitative assessment of One Health applications across crop yield, heavy metal mitigation, pathogen colonisation, and antimicrobial efficacy
Outcomes reported
The paper proposes a mechanistic framework for how microbial siderophores—iron-chelating compounds—can address four interconnected One Health challenges: crop productivity, heavy metal remediation, pathogen suppression, and infection treatment. The study synthesises evidence on siderophore function across agricultural, environmental, and clinical contexts.
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