Antimicrobial and biocatalytic potential of haloalkaliphilic actinobacteria

Abstract

Actinobacteria have the genetic potential for the production of wide variety of yet-to-discover secondary metabolites. They are known for their metabolic versatility that allows them to survive even under extreme environmental conditions. Further, considerable increase in the interest pertaining to the natural products originating from the saline and alkaline environments has brought haloalkaliphilic actinobacteria into the focus of intensive research. These organisms harbour huge potential for the discovery of new antibiotics and enzymes with novel properties. Besides, they have vast biosynthetic potential that remains unexplored. In the present chapter, we have evaluated the present state of research on the haloalkaliphilic actinobacteria and their unique antimicrobial properties. The highlights include the distribution of the haloalkaliphilic actinobacteria, their adaptation in different stress conditions, and mining of their unique antimicrobial and enzymatic potential.