1. people or companies that search for and collect biological organisms or genetic material from nature, typically for commercial or scientific purposes such as developing medicines or agricultural products
Usage: plural form; often used in contexts of biodiversity research and pharmaceutical development

Examples

• Bioprospectors have discovered numerous plant species in the Amazon rainforest that show promise for treating diseases.
• The pharmaceutical company hired bioprospectors to search for new compounds in tropical ecosystems.
• Bioprospectors work with indigenous communities to identify traditional plants with medicinal properties.
• Conservation groups worry that bioprospectors may damage fragile ecosystems while collecting samples.
• Many bioprospectors focus on microorganisms found in extreme environments like hot springs and deep-sea vents.
• The bioprospectors' findings have led to the development of several new antibiotics.