thumb|[[Crude oil, a transformed biogenic substance]]

thumb|Natural gum, a secretion from [[Hevea brasiliensis]]

A biogenic substance is a product made by or of life forms. While the term originally was specific to metabolite compounds that had toxic effects on other organisms, In context of molecular biology, biogenic substances are referred to as biomolecules. They are generally isolated and measured through the use of chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. Within the primary subdivision of "Endogenetic rocks" – rocks formed through chemical processes – was a category termed "Biogenic rocks", which was used synonymously with "Organic rocks". Other secondary categories were "Igneous" and "Hydrogenic" rocks. Based on this research, there was a later increase in the 1970s in the investigation of biogenic substances in sedimentary rocks as part of the study of geology. This emphasis in research and classification on the toxicity of biogenic substances was partly due to the cytotoxicity-directed screening assays that were used to detect the biologically active compounds. They can likewise be expended due to biotransformation processes, or biomass formation by microorganisms. In this study the biogenic substance concentrations, transformation frequency, and turnover were all highest in the upper layer of the water. Additionally, in different regions of the strait the biogenic substances with the highest annual transfer were constant. These were O<sub>2</sub>, DOC, and DISi, which are normally found in large concentrations in natural water.]]

Organic geochemists also have an interest in studying the diagenesis of biogenic substances in petroleum and how they are transformed in sediment and fossils. It is also possible for polyisoprenoid chains to be stereoselectively synthesised using catalysts such as Al(C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>5</sub>)<sub>3</sub> – VCl<sub>3</sub>. However, the probability of these compounds being available in the natural environment is unlikely. For metabolite profiling, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is used to find flavonoids such as quercetin. CNPSi model can be used to calculate the spatial transport of biogenic substances, in both the horizontal and vertical dimensions. or silicone contaminants from other analytical treatment methods. This is because they are produced by the marine organisms as chemical deterrents and as such contain bioactive compounds. The principal classes of marine algae that produce these types of secondary metabolites are Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae and Rhodophyceae. Additionally, a study by Ren et al. (2002) tested halogenated furanones produced by Delisea pulchra from the Rhodophyceae class against the growth of Bacillus subtilis.

thumb|215x215px|Photobioreactor used to produce microalgae metabolites

Current research also aims to produce these biogenic substances on a commercial level using metabolic engineering techniques.

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|Stirred tank

|Agardhiella subulata

|Biomass

|Huang and Rorrer (2003)

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|Airlift

|Gyrodinium impundicum

|Sulphated exopolysaccharides for antiviral action against encephalomyocarditis virus

|Yim et al. (2003)

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|Large scale outdoor

|Haematococcus pluvialis

|Astaxanthin compound

|Miguel (2000)

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Paleochemotaxonomy

In the field of paleochemotaxonomy the presence of biogenic substances in geological sediments is useful for comparing old and modern biological samples and species. The biological markers also provide valuable information about the degradation reactions of biological material in geological environments. Additionally, the nanoparticles that are produced can be unstable and unfit for use in the body. Using plant-derived biogenic substances aims to create an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective production method. biomass powder, whole plant immersion in solution, C. annuum juices have been shown to produce Ag nanoparticles at room temperature when treated with silver ions and additionally deliver essential vitamins and amino acids when consumed, making them a potential nanomaterials agent.]]

  • Coal and oil are possible examples of constituents which may have undergone changes over geologic time periods.
  • Chalk and limestone are examples of secretions (marine animal shells) which are of geologic age.
  • Grass and wood are biogenic constituents of contemporary origin.
  • Pearls, silk and ambergris are examples of secretions of contemporary origin.
  • Biogenic neurotransmitters.

Table of isolated biogenic compounds

{| class="wikitable"

|+

!Chemical class

!Compound

!Source

!Reference

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|Lipopeptide

  • Mooberry, Stratman & Moore (1995)

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|Fatty acid

  • Ohta et al. (1994)

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|Terpene Albrecht & Ourisson (1971)

  • Zhang & Smith (1996)

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|Ketone