Extremophiles and extremozymes: Importance in current biotechnology
Journal Title: Extreme Life, Biospeology & Astrobiology - International Journal of the Bioflux Society - Year 2011, Vol 3, Issue 1
Abstract
The use of biocatalysts in different biochemical reactions is generally restricted to mild ambient conditions. However, the enzymes produced by different living organisms inhabiting ecosystems with extreme conditions of temperature, pH, pressure and solvent are not constrained with mild conditions. It is now known that enzymes can function at temperatures as high as 140°C and as low as below freezing point. Organisms living in these conditions are described as extremophiles and the enzymes that function under these environmental situations are called extremozymes. Extremothermophiles are generally known as the thermophiles. This review is discussing about the existence and potential applications of thermophiles and thermostable enzymes. Applications of such enzymes in maximizing reactions accomplished in the food, paper, detergent and pharmaceutical industries, toxic wastes removal is being studied.
Authors and Affiliations
Gursharan Singh, Aditya Bhalla
Keywords
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