Extreme thermal environments: reservoirs of industrially important thermozymes

TL;DR

This review explores thermophilic microorganisms from extreme thermal environments and their valuable thermostable enzymes for industrial and scientific applications.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive synthesis of thermophiles' adaptations, enzyme applications, and their significance in biotechnology and astrobiology.

Findings

Thermophiles from extreme thermal environments produce thermostable enzymes useful in industrial processes.

Genomics and bioinformatics are accelerating the discovery and application of thermozymes.

Thermophiles serve as models for understanding life in extreme extraterrestrial environments.

Abstract

Extreme thermal environments, both natural (e.g., hot springs, fumaroles, geysers, mud pots, deep-sea hydrothermal vents) and man-made (e.g., compost heaps, sawdust, coal refuse piles), are rich sources of thermophilic microorganisms, including Bacteria and Archaea. These organisms possess unique adaptations that allow survival and metabolic activity at elevated temperatures, making them valuable sources of thermostable and thermoactive enzymes. This review synthesizes current knowledge on thermophiles, including their phylogeny, adaptation mechanisms, and cultivation strategies. We discuss the industrial applications of thermozymes, such as DNA polymerases and other thermostable enzymes, and highlight the role of genomics, systems biology, and bioinformatics in accelerating enzyme discovery. The review also addresses the astrobiological relevance of thermophiles as models for life in extreme extraterrestrial environments and emphasizes the importance of conservation and sustainable use of natural thermal habitats. Collectively, this overview provides a comprehensive perspective on the ecological, biotechnological, and fundamental research significance of thermophiles and their enzymes.

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