Short Note on Biotechnological Application of Halophilic Enzymes

Abstract

Evolution of life in extreme environments entails wide adaptations. Amongst these environments, those with high salt concentration are abodes to so-called halophilic microorganisms. The unique key properties of halophilic proteins not only enable them to survive in hostile and precluding environments, but also make their enzymes as precious biocatalysts in pharmaceutical, fine chemical processes, industries, food processing, detergents, waste treatments, etc., where harsh conditions prevent favorable reactions by normal enzymes. Unfortunately, due to lack of deep knowledge and proper equipment, up to know only a limited number of extremozymes have characterized and applied in appropriate industries. Discovery of new extremophiles or genetically engineering of mesophilic enzymes will open new horizons to novel applications of these invaluable enzymes in biotechnology and biotransformation.