Extremophiles: Sustainable resource of natural compounds-extremolytes

Abstract

Microorganisms that thrive in extreme adverse environmental conditions are extremophiles. Examples of these conditions are temperature (>45°C; <10°C), pressure (>500 atmosphere), pH (>8.0; <5.0), oxygen tension, nutrient depletion, salinity (>1.0 M NaCl), high concentrations of calcitrant, heavy metals, high levels of radiation exposure etc. The discovery of extremophiles has enabled the biotechnology industry to innovate corresponding bioproducts, extremolytes, for people's benefit. The production of Taq DNA polymerase has revolutionized biotechnology research in many ways. Many thermostable enzymes including cellulase, lipase, amylase, and proteases have contributed significantly as industrial bioproducts. Extremophilic radioresistant bacteria and fungi can be used strategically for the development of radioprotective drugs to protect against radiation exposure. Further these extremophiles can be used to develop cryoprotectants. Categorically, the piezophilic microorganisms in the deep sea are a prominent source of specific bio-molecules that has ability to stabilize cell membrane blebbing by maintaining the membrane fluidity. Extremophiles are a sustainable resource for biotechnology industry, which needs to be explored. This chapter provides a comprehensive view of the extremophiles and their products with the possible implications in human interest. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.