Application of Extremophiles in Medicine and Pharmaceutical Industries

Abstract

Extremophiles are at center stage of scientific interest owing to their peculiar properties in terms of physiology, ecology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics. The bio-active compounds from extremophiles involve various types of extremolytes. The functional applicability of extremophiles has been far-reaching. Looking to the global scenario medical, pharmaceutical and allied healthcare sectors have a persistent surge for a novel anticancer, antimicrobial, stable drug deliverables, nutraceuticals, fine chemicals, natural antioxidants, and bio-polymers compounds. Genetic engineering tools clubbed with -omics approach enhance and better the chances for applicability of the extremophilic metabolites in varied sectors of red and yellow biotechnology. The chapter provides an insight into the various types of bio-active molecules from extremophiles and their wide biotechnological applicability in the medical and pharmaceutical industry.