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Extremophilic micro-algae and their potential contribution in biotechnology
Prachi Varshney1, Paulina Mikulic2, Avigad Vonshak3
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India; School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; IIT Bombay Monash Research Academy, CSE Building, 2nd Floor, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
Bioresource Technology
|December 3, 2014
Summary
Extremophilic micro-algae offer sustainable solutions for energy and agriculture. Their unique tolerance to harsh conditions, like extreme pH and temperature, makes them promising for biotechnology, though further research is needed for large-scale application.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microbiology
- Sustainable Agriculture
Background:
- Micro-algae are valuable for sustainable energy and products.
- Mass cultivation faces challenges from harsh environments and competing species.
- Extremophilic micro-algae thrive in extreme conditions, offering a potential solution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review biotechnological applications of extremophilic micro-algae.
- To discuss their tolerance ranges and adaptive mechanisms.
- To highlight areas for future research and development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of extremophilic micro-algae research.
- Analysis of phylogenetic relationships.
- Discussion of adaptive mechanisms and cultivation challenges.
Main Results:
- Examples of extremophilic micro-algae and their tolerated extreme conditions are presented.
- Certain Protista groups show higher tolerance to extremophilic conditions.
- Adaptive mechanisms for surviving extreme environments are discussed.
Conclusions:
- Extremophilic micro-algae hold significant biotechnological potential.
- Further research in physiology, molecular biology, and cultivation is required.
- Realizing their full potential necessitates advancements in metabolic engineering and outdoor trials.
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