Current status and applications of genus Geobacillus in the production of industrially important products-a review.

Abstract

The genus Geobacillus is one of the most important genera which mainly comprises gram-positive thermophilic bacterial strains includingobligate aerobes, denitrifiers and facultativeanaerobes having capability of endospore formation as well. The genus Geobacillusis widely distributed in nature and mostly abundant in extreme locations such as cool soils, hot springs, hydrothermal vents, marine trenches, hay composts and dairy plants.Due to plasticity towards environmental adaptation, the Geobacillussp. shows remarkable genome diversification and acquired many beneficial properties, which facilitates their exploitation for many biotechnological applications. Many thermophiles are of biotechnological importance and having considerable interest in commercial applications for the production of industrially important products. Recently, due to catabolic versatility especially in the degradation of hemicellulose and starch containing agricultural waste and rapid growth rates, these microorganisms show potential for the production of biofuels, thermostable enzymes and bioremediation. This review mainly summarizes the status of Geobacillussp. including its notable properties, biotechnological studies and its potential application in the production of industrially important products.