Title:Exploitation of Potential Extremophiles for Bioremediation of Xenobiotics Compounds: A Biotechnological Approach
VOLUME: 21 ISSUE: 3
Author(s):Awadhesh Kumar Shukla* and Amit Kishore Singh
Affiliation:Department of Botany, K.S. Saket P.G. College, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, 224123, Department of Botany, Bhagalpur National College, Bhagalpur, Bihar, 812007
Keywords:Extremophiles, xenobiotics, biodegradation, pollutants, extremozymes, metabolic pathway.
Abstract:Microorganisms that are capable of live and adapt in hostile habitats of different environmental
factors such as extremes temperature, salinity, nutrient availability and pressure are known as
extremophiles. Exposure to xenobiotic compounds is global concern influencing the world population
as a health hazard. Hence their removal is warranted using biological means that is very sustainable,
potentially cost-effective and eco-friendly. Due to adaptation in extreme environments and unique defense
mechanisms, they are receiving more attention for the bioremediation of the xenobiotic compounds.
They possess robust enzymatic and biocatalytic systems that make them suitable for the effective
removal of pollutants from the contaminated environment. Additionally, the extremophiles act
as microfactories having specific genetic and biotechnological potential for the production of biomolecules.
This mini review will provide an overview of microbial degradation metabolic pathways for
bioremediation along with the molecular and physiological properties of diverse extremophiles from
variety of habitats. Furthermore, the factors affecting the bioremediation process is also summarized.