Polar Microorganisms and Biotechnology

The various organisms thriving in extreme environments on Earth, psychrophiles (cold-loving organisms) are the most abundant in terms of biomass, diversity, and distribution. The chapter presents an overview of the biotechnological uses of psychrophiles and of their biomolecules using selected examples. Site-specific mutants of psychrophiles are a useful tool to study cold adaptation and expression of cold-active enzymes at low temperature. At the industrial level, the best-known representative of polar microorganisms is certainly the yeast Candida antarctica, as its species name unambiguously refers to the sampling origin. Antarcticine-NF3 is a glycoprotein with antifreeze properties produced by the bacterium Pseudoalteromonas antarctica, which has been patented by Spanish researchers. It was found that Antarcticine is effective for scar treatment and re-epithelialization of wounds. Most studies on hydrocarbon bioremediation in polar regions have focused on the treatment of petroleum hydrocarbons, since increased petroleum exploration increases the risk of accidental oil release. Polar plants and animals have also found diverse applications and are worth citing in the context of the present survey. Recent developments based on cold-adapted organisms and their biomolecules have clearly demonstrated the huge potential of psychrophiles.