Diversity and Bioprospecting of Yeasts from Extreme Environments

Abstract

The life of humans has been greatly benefited by microbes since their existence on earth. Extremophiles have unique energy transduction processes and adaptation strategies which help them to survive in an extreme environment (high or low temperature, pH, etc.). Fungi with yeast stage in their life cycle are found in various habitats including extreme environments like hot springs, alkaline lakes, hypersaline lakes, cold glaciers, deep ocean, and several others. Recently, psychrophilic yeasts have been studied widely, but contributions on thermophilic, acidophilic, and halophilic yeasts are lagging behind. Mrakia, Leucosporidium, and Naganishia are some examples of yeasts isolated from cold environments. In the past decades, several investigations have been undertaken on yeasts to assess their biotechnological potentials. Extremophilic yeasts produce enzymes, antifreeze proteins, heat shock proteins, PUFA, EPS, etc., which have immense applications in health, agriculture, and industry. In this chapter, diversity of extremophilic yeasts, strategies adapted for such niches, and potential applications of extremophilic yeasts in biotechnology have been discussed. Yeasts from extreme environments can be exploited in several biotechnological industries, thus helping in the bioeconomy of the country.