The genus Fervidobacterium, its thermoenzymes and biotechnological potential: an integrative review

Abstract

The genus Fervidobacterium has only seven described species to date, namely F. changbaicum, F. gondwanense, F. islandicum, F. nodosum, F. pennivorans, F. riparium and F. thailandense. These species were first isolated from places with high thermal amplitude, such as hot springs and sites that originated from volcanic activity. With temperatures ranging from 40 °C to 90 °C, they are characteristically considered hyperthermophilic. This genus belongs to the phylum Thermotoga, composed of families of extremophilic organisms, that is, adapted to inhospitable environments. The genus is considered strictly anaerobic and heterotrophic and is widely reported in the literature regarding its biochemical machinery, as it produces a wide variety of enzymes capable of metabolising the most diverse carbon sources. It stands out for the degradation of mostly keratinolytic substrates, such as those composed of feathers of native birds. Therefore, this literature review aimed to gather information about the genus and its enzymology. There are few recent studies that outline the genus Fervidobacterium and the biotechnological and commercial potential added to the genus. The enzymes produced by these species are resistant to several detergents and organic solvents and have a high and remarkable thermal stability. Consequently, these microorganisms hold significant biotechnological potential across various industrial sectors and are also promising candidates for environmental remediation efforts.