Biotechnological applications of hot extremozymes From an industrial viewpoint, (hyper)thermophilic enzymes possess certain advantages over their mesophilic counterparts. These enzymes are active and efficient under high temperatures, extreme pH values, high substrate concentrations and high pressure.

What is an extremozymes and the different types?

Extremozymes also include cellulases, proteases, pectinases, keratinases, lipases, esterases, catalases, peroxidases, and phytases. Owing to the unusual properties of these classes of enzymes, they are expected to fill the gap between biological and chemical industrial processes (Taylor et al. 2011).

Which extremozymes useful in paper bleaching?

In pulp and paper industry xylanases are used in bleaching of cellulose pulp as an alternative to chlorine bleaching.

What are three characteristics of extremozymes?

Extremophilic microorganisms have established a diversity of molecular strategies in order to survive in extreme conditions. Biocatalysts isolated by these organisms are termed extremozymes, and possess extraordinary properties of salt allowance, thermostability, and cold adaptivity.

Why are extremophiles so Specialised?

These ecosystems are therefore unique on Earth. Because of the extreme environment at the bottom of the oceans organisms find it difficult or impossible to move from one vent to another. This has resulted in many hydrothermal vents having separately evolved species that are only found in this one location.

How do Piezophiles survive?

In piezophiles, multimerization of protein helps them to survive in extreme environment by the hydrogen bonding between protein subunits. Some thermophilic adaptations, which include increasing basic amino acids, are also present in the proteins of extremophiles.

How do Archaea help us?

So far, most archaea are known to be beneficial rather than harmful to human health. They may be important for reducing skin pH or keeping it at low levels, and lower pH is associated with lower susceptibility to infections.

How can bacteria live in Hot Springs?

Only hyperthermophilic bacteria and archaea are able to live in the nearly boiling water of this hot spring. All thermophiles require a hot water environment, but some thrive in more than one extreme, such as those with high levels of sulfur or calcium carbonate, acidic water, or alkaline springs.

Is Bacillus cereus a Psychrophile?

It has been estimated that 25% of all shelf life problems associated with conventionally pasteurized milk and cream products in the United States may be linked to this class of thermoduric bacteria, with a large number of the contaminants being psychrotrophic Bacillus cereus and Bacillus mycoides (13).

How are Cryophiles adapted?

Antifreeze proteins basically help a psychrophiles to live in colder temperatures by lowering the average temperature it could live in, drastically. This is very important in cryoprotection, which is the protection of cryophiles from denaturing in its cold temperature.

What are the latest developments in extremozymes?

This short survey describes recent developments regarding extremozymes relevant for industrial utilizations. The main focus lies on the production and application of glycoside hydrolases such as starch and lignocellulose degrading enzymes relevant for the production of 1st and 2nd generation biofuels and other biomass processing biocatalysts.

What are extremophilic enzymes?

Extremophilic microorganisms are a rich source of naturally tailored enzymes, which are more superior over their mesophilic counterparts for applications at extreme conditions.

How do extremozymes widen the scope of biocatalysis?

Figure 1. Extremozymes widen the scope of biocatalysis. Biocatalysts of extremophiles can withstand a broader range of temperature, pH, and solvents than enzymes from mesophilic organisms. Enzyme properties such as temperature stability, selectivity, solvent-tolerance, or affinity to the substrate can be improved through genetic engineering.

What are the advantages of biocatalysts of extremophiles?

Biocatalysts of extremophiles can withstand a broader range of temperature, pH, and solvents than enzymes from mesophilic organisms. Enzyme properties such as temperature stability, selectivity, solvent-tolerance, or affinity to the substrate can be improved through genetic engineering.