Nature and bioprospecting of haloalkaliphilics: a review

The haloalkaliphilics are an important subset of extremophiles that grow in salt [upto 33% (wt/vol) NaCl] and alkaline pH (> 9). They are found in hypersaline environments especially in the brines in arid, coastal and deep sea locations, and in alkaline environments, such as soda soils, lakes and deserts. Some authors have described haloalkaliphilic bacteria as moderate halophilic bacteria, but the molecular and classical studies revealed that they belong to moderately to extremely halophilic bacteria and archaea. Organic solutes, such as glycine, betaine and other amino acid derivatives, sugars such as, sucrose and trehalose, and sugar alcohols present in the haloalkaliphilics help for their osmoadaptation, and also serve as stabilizers. Haloalkalphilics secrete exoenzymes like proteases, amylases, xylanases, cellulases and peroxidases which have potential industrial applications. They also produce bacteriorhodopsin, compatible solutes, pigments, biopolymers, secondary metabolites like biosurfactants, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and exopolysaccharides and antimicrobial/anticancer compounds. They have unique metabolic pathways which can be used to treat industrial pollutants, heavy metals and waste water.