Recent Advances in Isolation, Functional Profiling, and Biotechnological Applications of Phosphate-solubilizing Microorganisms: A Narrative Review

Abstract:

Although phosphorus is a macronutrient necessary for plant growth, it is mostly present in soil as insoluble compounds, which prevent plants from using it. Because they enable plants to access insoluble phosphorus through various biochemical pathways, Phosphate-Solubilizing Microorganisms (PSMs) are crucial for sustainable agriculture. With an emphasis on quantitative performance indicators and current research trends, this study methodically examines the biodiversity, functional mechanisms, and biotechnological uses of phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms. Following the PRISMA guidelines for literature selection, a structured narrative review was conducted, searching the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases for publications from 2000 to 2024. Based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 320 pertinent studies were selected from 21,672 records for the qualitative synthesis. According to the analysis, the main soil phosphate solubilizers include fungi such as Aspergillus and Penicillium, and bacteria such as Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Rhizobium. In greenhouse and field experiments, phosphate solubilization effectiveness was 30–70% for bacteria and 50–85% for fungi, improving crop yields by 10–35%. Recent developments in multi-omics, microbial consortia, and high-throughput screening have significantly enhanced the functional utility of PSMs. In conclusion, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms are a promising, environmentally friendly alternative to chemical phosphorus fertilizers. Future research combining precision biofertilizer formulation with omics-profiler-assisted genetic improvement will be crucial for their widespread use in agriculture.