Halophilic Fungal Communities: Current Research and Future Challenges

Abstract

Halophilic microorganisms are found to be present in different saline environments (low to high salt concentrations), thereby categorized into slight, moderate and extreme halophiles. Earlier, prokaryotes have been highlighted for their presence in different saline conditions; however later, it was also observed that eukaryotes, especially fungi (halophilic fungi), have also been detected and isolated by researchers around the globe. Further, in order to identify and to study their abundance, researchers have used various genomic and proteomic approaches. As per analysis, halophilic fungi have adapted themselves for saline conditions by increasing the acidic amino acid content in their proteins, similarly like prokaryotes. Research has also observed the importance of these halophilic fungal strains for biotechnological applications, and variety of diverse metabolites have been identified and isolated from various halophilic fungi. Moreover, various industrial relevant enzymes, that is, protease, amylase and cellulase, have also been isolated from different strains of halophilic fungi. Recently, reports have also suggested the roles of halophilic fungi in different bioremediation processes, such as phenol degradation, removal of heavy metals and saline soil remediation. This chapter highlights the important aspects of halophilic fungi, with emphasis on its various biotechnological applications and future strategies.