Abstract
Hypersaline environments are extreme habitats on the planet and have a diverse microbial population formed by halophilic microorganisms. They are considered to be actual or potential sources for discovery bioactive compounds, compatible solutes including novel and/or extraordinarily enzymes. To date, a number of bioactive compounds for the use in various fields of biotechnology which show assorted biological activities ranging from antioxidant, sunscreen and antibiotic actions have been reported. In addition, some halophilic microorganisms are capable of producing massive amounts of compatible solutes that are useful as stabilizers for biomolecules or stress-protective agents. The present review will impart knowledge and discuss on (i) potential biotechnological applications of bioactive compounds, compatible solutes and some novel hydrolytic enzymes; (ii) recent efforts on discovery and utilization of halophiles for biotechnological interest; (iii) future perspective of aforementioned points.
Highlights
Halophilic microorganisms comprise a heterogeneous group of microorganisms and require salts for optimal growth
Some halophilic microorganisms are capable of producing massive amounts of compatible solutes that are useful as stabilizers for biomolecules or stress-protective agents
It should be noted that mycosporine-glycine having strong antioxidant property is one of the major mycosporine-like amino acid (MAA) found in marine cyanobacteria [39]
Summary
Halophilic microorganisms comprise a heterogeneous group of microorganisms and require salts for optimal growth They have been isolated from diverse salinity environments, varying from natural brines, hypersaline lakes to saturation salinities. Halophiles are able to thrive in hypersaline (∼ 0.6 M) up to saturation salinity (>5 M NaCl) environments [5] They have evolved several different molecular and cellular mechanisms to respond to the salt-stress condition. The well-known mechanism is the so-called ‘salt-out strategy’ or ‘organic-osmolyte mechanism’ allowing an osmotic adaptation by excluding salts and/or synthesizing de novo compatible solutes [5,6] This strategy is used in Archaea and Bacteria. Halophiles are considered to be potential sources for discovery of bioactive compounds, compatible solutes, unique enzymes including other potential biotechnological uses. In this review (i) discovery and biotechnological potential of bioactive compounds having antioxidant and sunscreen actions are highlighted; (ii) special emphasize is placed on compatible solutes and some extraordinarily hydrolytic enzymes; (iii) recent efforts on utilization of halophilic enzymes are discussed; and (iv) future perspective in biotechnology is mentioned
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