Extremophiles as a source of novel enzymes for industrial application

Extremophilic microorganisms are adapted to survive in ecological niches su ch as at high temperatures, extremes of pH, high salt concentrations and hi gh pressure. These microorganisms produce unique biocatalysts that function under extreme conditions comparable to those prevailing in various industr ial processes. Some of the enzymes from extremophiles have already been pur ified and their genes successfully cloned in mesophilic hosts. In this revi ew we will briefly discuss the biotechnological significance of extreme the rmophilic (optimal growth 70-80 degrees C) and hyperthermophilic (optimal g rowth 85-100 degrees C) archaea and bacteria. In particular, we will focus on selected extracellular-polymer-degrading enzymes, such as amylases, pull ulanases, cyclodextrin glycosyltransferases, cellulases, xylanases, chitina ses, proteinases and other enzymes such as esterases, glucose isomerases, a lcohol dehydrogenases and DNA-modifying enzymes with potential use in food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries and in environmental biotechnology.