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Martínez-Espinosa RM. Halophilic archaea as tools for bioremediation technologies. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:401. [PMID: 38951176 PMCID: PMC11217053 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13241-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Haloarchaea are extremophilic microorganisms belonging to the Archaea domain that require high salt concentrations to be alive, thus inhabiting ecosystems like salty ponds, salty marshes, or extremely salty lagoons. They are more abundantly and widely distributed worldwide than initially expected. Most of them are grouped into two families: Halobacteriaceae and Haloferacaceae. The extreme conditions under which haloarchaea survive contribute to their metabolic and molecular adaptations, thus making them good candidates for the design of bioremediation strategies to treat brines, salty water, and saline soils contaminated with toxic compounds such as nitrate, nitrite, oxychlorates such as perchlorate and chlorate, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and aromatic compounds. New advances in understanding haloarchaea physiology, metabolism, biochemistry, and molecular biology suggest that biochemical pathways related to nitrogen and carbon, metals, hydrocarbons, or aromatic compounds can be used for bioremediation proposals. This review analyses the novelty of the most recent results showing the capability of some haloarchaeal species to assimilate, modify, or degrade toxic compounds for most living beings. Several examples of the role of these microorganisms in the treatment of polluted brine or salty soils are also discussed in connection with circular economy-based processes. KEY POINTS: • Haloarchaea are extremophilic microorganisms showing genuine metabolism • Haloarchaea can metabolise compounds that are highly toxic to most living beings • These metabolic capabilities are useful for designing soil and water bioremediation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa María Martínez-Espinosa
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Edaphology and Agricultural Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Alicante, Ap. 99, E-03080, Alicante, Spain.
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Environmental Studies "Ramón Margalef", University of Alicante, Ap. 99, E-03080, Alicante, Spain.
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2
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Sun J, He X, LE Y, Al-Tohamy R, Ali SS. Potential applications of extremophilic bacteria in the bioremediation of extreme environments contaminated with heavy metals. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 352:120081. [PMID: 38237330 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Protecting the environment from harmful pollutants has become increasingly difficult in recent decades. The presence of heavy metal (HM) pollution poses a serious environmental hazard that requires intricate attention on a worldwide scale. Even at low concentrations, HMs have the potential to induce deleterious health effects in both humans and other living organisms. Therefore, various strategies have been proposed to address this issue, with extremophiles being a promising solution. Bacteria that exhibit resistance to metals are preferred for applications involving metal removal due to their capacity for rapid multiplication and growth. Extremophiles are a special group of microorganisms that are capable of surviving under extreme conditions such as extreme temperatures, pH levels, and high salt concentrations where other organisms cannot. Due to their unique enzymes and adaptive capabilities, extremophiles are well suited as catalysts for environmental biotechnology applications, including the bioremediation of HMs through various strategies. The mechanisms of resistance to HMs by extremophilic bacteria encompass: (i) metal exclusion by permeability barrier; (ii) extracellular metal sequestration by protein/chelator binding; (iii) intracellular sequestration of the metal by protein/chelator binding; (iv) enzymatic detoxification of a metal to a less toxic form; (v) active transport of HMs; (vi) passive tolerance; (vii) reduced metal sensitivity of cellular targets to metal ions; and (viii) morphological change of cells. This review provides comprehensive information on extremophilic bacteria and their potential roles for bioremediation, particularly in environments contaminated with HMs, which pose a threat due to their stability and persistence. Genetic engineering of extremophilic bacteria in stressed environments could help in the bioremediation of contaminated sites. Due to their unique characteristics, these organisms and their enzymes are expected to bridge the gap between biological and chemical industrial processes. However, the structure and biochemical properties of extremophilic bacteria, along with any possible long-term effects of their applications, need to be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Sun
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China.
| | - Xing He
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Yilin LE
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China.
| | - Rania Al-Tohamy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Sameh S Ali
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China; Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt.
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3
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Varshney S, Bhattacharya A, Gupta A. Halo-alkaliphilic microbes as an effective tool for heavy metal pollution abatement and resource recovery: challenges and future prospects. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:400. [PMID: 37982082 PMCID: PMC10651602 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03807-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study presents an overview of heavy metals bioremediation from halo-alkaline conditions by using extremophilic microorganisms. Heavy metal remediation from the extreme environment with high pH and elevated salt concentration is a challenge as mesophilic microorganisms are unable to thrive under these polyextremophilic conditions. Thus, for effective bioremediation of extreme systems, specialized microbes (extremophiles) are projected as potential bioremediating agents, that not only thrive under such extreme conditions but are also capable of remediating heavy metals from these environments. The physiological versatility of extremophiles especially halophiles and alkaliphiles and their enzymes (extremozymes) could conveniently be harnessed to remediate and detoxify heavy metals from the high alkaline saline environment. Bibliometric analysis has shown that research in this direction has found pace in recent years and thus this review is a timely attempt to highlight the importance of halo-alkaliphiles for effective contaminant removal in extreme conditions. Also, this review systematically presents insights on adaptive measures utilized by extremophiles to cope with harsh environments and outlines the role of extremophilic microbes in industrial wastewater treatment and recovery of metals from waste with relevant examples. Further, the major challenges and way forward for the effective applicability of halo-alkaliphilic microbes in heavy metals bioremediation from extremophilic conditions are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipra Varshney
- University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Sector-16C, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110078 India
| | - Amrik Bhattacharya
- Enzyme and Microbial Biochemistry Lab, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz-Khas, New Delhi, 110016 India
- Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201313 India
| | - Anshu Gupta
- University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Sector-16C, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110078 India
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4
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Maqsood Q, Sumrin A, Waseem R, Hussain M, Imtiaz M, Hussain N. Bioengineered microbial strains for detoxification of toxic environmental pollutants. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 227:115665. [PMID: 36907340 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Industrialization and other anthropogenic human activities pose significant environmental risks. As a result of the hazardous pollution, numerous living organisms may suffer from undesirable diseases in their separate habitats. Bioremediation, which removes hazardous compounds from the environment using microbes or their biologically active metabolites, is one of the most successful remediation approaches. According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), deteriorating soil health negatively impacts food security and human health over time. Soil health restoration is critical right now. Microbes are widely known for their importance in cleaning up toxins present in the soil, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and hydrocarbons. However, the capacity of local bacteria to digest these pollutants is limited, and the process takes an extended time. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), whose altered metabolic pathways promote the over-secretion of a variety of proteins favorable to the bioremediation process, can speed up the breakdown process. The need for remediation procedures, degrees of soil contamination, site circumstances, broad adoptions, and numerous possibilities occurring at various cleaning stages are all studied in detail. Massive efforts to restore contaminated soils have also resulted in severe issues. This review focuses on the enzymatic removal of hazardous pollutants from the environment, such as pesticides, heavy metals, dyes, and plastics. There are also in-depth assessments of present discoveries and future plans for efficient enzymatic degradation of hazardous pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quratulain Maqsood
- Center for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aleena Sumrin
- Center for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rafia Waseem
- Center for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Maria Hussain
- Center for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mehwish Imtiaz
- Center for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Nazim Hussain
- Center for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
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Andreu C, Del Olmo ML. Biotechnological applications of biofilms formed by osmotolerant and halotolerant yeasts. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s00253-023-12589-y. [PMID: 37233754 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12589-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Many microorganisms are capable of developing biofilms under adverse conditions usually related to nutrient limitation. They are complex structures in which cells (in many cases of different species) are embedded in the material that they secrete, the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is composed of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. The ECM has several functions including adhesion, cellular communication, nutrient distribution, and increased community resistance, this being the main drawback when these microorganisms are pathogenic. However, these structures have also proven useful in many biotechnological applications. Until now, the most interest shown in these regards has focused on bacterial biofilms, and the literature describing yeast biofilms is scarce, except for pathological strains. Oceans and other saline reservoirs are full of microorganisms adapted to extreme conditions, and the discovery and knowledge of their properties can be very interesting to explore new uses. Halotolerant and osmotolerant biofilm-forming yeasts have been employed for many years in the food and wine industry, with very few applications in other areas. The experience gained in bioremediation, food production and biocatalysis with bacterial biofilms can be inspiring to find new uses for halotolerant yeast biofilms. In this review, we focus on the biofilms formed by halotolerant and osmotolerant yeasts such as those belonging to Candida, Saccharomyces flor yeasts, Schwannyomyces or Debaryomyces, and their actual or potential biotechnological applications. KEY POINTS: • Biofilm formation by halotolerant and osmotolerant yeasts is reviewed. • Yeasts biofilms have been widely used in food and wine production. • The use of bacterial biofilms in bioremediation can be expanded to halotolerant yeast counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Andreu
- Departament de Química Orgànica, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, Vicent Andrés Estellés S/N, 46100, València, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Marcel Lí Del Olmo
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de València, Dr. Moliner 50, 46100, València, Burjassot, Spain.
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Sagar P, Aseem A, Banjara SK, Veleri S. The role of food chain in antimicrobial resistance spread and One Health approach to reduce risks. Int J Food Microbiol 2023; 391-393:110148. [PMID: 36868045 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2023.110148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is rapidly spreading worldwide. It is depleting the repertoire of antibiotics in use but the pace of development of new antibiotics is stagnant for decades. Annually, millions of people are killed by AMR. This alarming situation urged both scientific and civil bodies to take steps to curb AMR as a top priority. Here we review the various sources of AMR in the environment, especially focusing on the food chain. Food chain inculcates pathogens with AMR genes and serves as a conduit for its transmission. In certain countries, the antibiotics are more used in livestock than in humans. It is also used in agriculture crops of high value products. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in livestock and agriculture increased rapid emergence of AMR pathogens. In addition, in many countries nosocomial settings are spewing AMR pathogens, which is a serious health hazard. Both the developed and low and middle income countries (LMIC) face the phenomenon of AMR. Therefore, a comprehensive approach for monitoring all sectors of life is required to identify the emerging trend of AMR in environment. AMR genes' mode of action must be understood to develop strategies to reduce risk. The new generation sequencing technologies, metagenomics and bioinformatics capabilities can be resorted to quickly identify and characterize AMR genes. The sampling for AMR monitoring can be done from multiples nodes of the food chain as envisioned and promoted by the WHO, FAO, OIE and UNEP under the One Health approach to overcome threat of AMR pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prarthi Sagar
- Drug Safety Division, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Ajmal Aseem
- Drug Safety Division, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | | | - Shobi Veleri
- Drug Safety Division, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad 500007, India.
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Razia S, Hadibarata T, Lau SY. Acidophilic microorganisms in remediation of contaminants present in extremely acidic conditions. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2023; 46:341-358. [PMID: 36602611 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-022-02844-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Acidophiles are a group of microorganisms that thrive in acidic environments where pH level is far below the neutral value 7.0. They belong to a larger family called extremophiles, which is a group that thrives in various extreme environmental conditions which are normally inhospitable to other organisms. Several human activities such as mining, construction and other industrial processes release highly acidic effluents and wastes into the environment. Those acidic wastes and wastewaters contain different types of pollutants such as heavy metals, radioactive, and organic, whose have adverse effects on human being as well as on other living organisms. To protect the whole ecosystem, those pollutants containing effluents or wastes must be clean properly before releasing into environment. Physicochemical cleanup processes under extremely acidic conditions are not always successful due to high cost and release of toxic byproducts. While in case of biological methods, except acidophiles, no other microorganisms cannot survive in highly acidic conditions. Therefore, acidophiles can be a good choice for remediation of different types of contaminants present in acidic conditions. In this review article, various roles of acidophilic microorganisms responsible for removing heavy metals and radioactive pollutants from acidic environments were discussed. Bioremediation of various acidic organic pollutants by using acidophiles was also studied. Overall, this review could be helpful to extend our knowledge as well as to do further relevant novel studies in the field of acidic pollutants remediation by applying acidophilic microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sultana Razia
- Environmental Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University, Miri, Malaysia
| | - Tony Hadibarata
- Environmental Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University, Miri, Malaysia.
| | - Sie Yon Lau
- Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University, Miri, Malaysia
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M S, N RP, Rajendrasozhan S. Bacterial redox response factors in the management of environmental oxidative stress. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 39:11. [PMID: 36369499 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-022-03456-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria evolved to survive in the available environmental chemosphere via several cellular mechanisms. A rich pool of antioxidants and stress regulators plays a significant role in the survival of bacteria in unfavorable environmental conditions. Most of the microbes exhibit resistant phenomena in toxic environment niches. Naturally, bacteria possess efficient thioredoxin reductase, glutaredoxin, and peroxiredoxin redox systems to handle environmental oxidative stress. Further, an array of transcriptional regulators senses the oxidative stress conditions. Transcription regulators, such as OxyR, SoxRS, PerR, UspA, SsrB, MarA, OhrR, SarZ, etc., sense and transduce bacterial oxidative stress responses. The redox-sensitive transcription regulators continuously recycle the utilized antioxidant enzymes during oxidative stress. These regulators promote the expression of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxides that overcome oxidative insults. Therefore, the transcriptional regulations maintain steady-state activities of antioxidant enzymes representing the resistance against host cell/environmental oxidative insults. Further, the redox system provides reducing equivalents to synthesize biomolecules, thereby contributing to cellular repair mechanisms. The inactive transcriptional regulators in the undisturbed cells are activated by oxidative stress. The oxidized transcriptional regulators modulate the expression of antioxidant and cellular repair enzymes to survive in extreme environmental conditions. Therefore, targeting these antioxidant systems and response regulators could alter cellular redox homeostasis. This review presents the mechanisms of different redox systems that favor bacterial survival in extreme environmental oxidative stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudharsan M
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, 608 002, India
| | - Rajendra Prasad N
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, 608 002, India.
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Aragaw TA, Bogale FM, Gessesse A. Adaptive Response of Thermophiles to Redox Stress and Their Role in the Process of dye Degradation From Textile Industry Wastewater. Front Physiol 2022; 13:908370. [PMID: 35795652 PMCID: PMC9251311 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.908370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Release of dye-containing textile wastewater into the environment causes severe pollution with serious consequences on aquatic life. Bioremediation of dyes using thermophilic microorganisms has recently attracted attention over conventional treatment techniques. Thermophiles have the natural ability to survive under extreme environmental conditions, including high dye concentration, because they possess stress response adaptation and regulation mechanisms. Therefore, dye detoxification by thermophiles could offer enormous opportunities for bioremediation at elevated temperatures. In addition, the processes of degradation generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subject cells to oxidative stress. However, thermophiles exhibit better adaptation to resist the effects of oxidative stress. Some of the major adaptation mechanisms of thermophiles include macromolecule repair system; enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase; and non-enzymatic antioxidants like extracellular polymeric substance (EPSs), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), etc. In addition, different bacteria also possess enzymes that are directly involved in dye degradation such as azoreductase, laccase, and peroxidase. Therefore, through these processes, dyes are first degraded into smaller intermediate products finally releasing products that are non-toxic or of low toxicity. In this review, we discuss the sources of oxidative stress in thermophiles, the adaptive response of thermophiles to redox stress and their roles in dye removal, and the regulation and crosstalk between responses to oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadele Assefa Aragaw
- Faculty of Chemical and Food Engineering, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Institute of Biotechnology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- *Correspondence: Tadele Assefa Aragaw,
| | - Fekadu Mazengiaw Bogale
- Faculty of Chemical and Food Engineering, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Amare Gessesse
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana
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Le Y, Sun J. CRISPR/Cas genome editing systems in thermophiles: Current status, associated challenges, and future perspectives. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2022; 118:1-30. [PMID: 35461662 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Thermophiles, offering an attractive and unique platform for a broad range of applications in biofuels and environment protections, have received a significant attention and growing interest from academy and industry. However, the exploration and exploitation of thermophilic organisms have been hampered by the lack of a powerful genome manipulation tool to improve production efficiency. At current, the clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated (Cas) system has been successfully exploited as a competent, simplistic, and powerful tool for genome engineering both in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Indeed, with the significant efforts made in recent years, some thermostable Cas9 proteins have been well identified and characterized and further, some thermostable Cas9-based editing tools have been successfully established in some representative obligate thermophiles. In this regard, we reviewed the current status and its progress in CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing system towards a variety of thermophilic organisms. Despite the potentials of these progresses, multiple factors/barriers still have to be overcome and optimized for improving its editing efficiency in thermophiles. Some insights into the roles of thermostable CRISPR/Cas technologies for the metabolic engineering of thermophiles as a thermophilic microbial cell factory were also fully analyzed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Le
- Biofuels institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Jianzhong Sun
- Biofuels institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, PR China.
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Kochhar N, I․K K, Shrivastava S, Ghosh A, Rawat VS, Sodhi KK, Kumar M. Perspectives on the microorganism of extreme environments and their applications. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2022; 3:100134. [PMID: 35909612 PMCID: PMC9325743 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2022.100134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The applications of extremophiles in various fields like biotechnology, biodegradation, bioremediation, biorefinery and astrobiology along with other industries like pharmaceuticals, food, agricultural, cosmetics, and textile. Further research in biodegradation, bioremediation and generation of biofuels using extremophiles is required considering the current climate crisis as it helps in reduction of environmental contamination load. The importance of promoting the use of extremophiles in food and agricultural industries and how extremophiles can be the key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of global food security. Keeping in mind the current global scenario with regards to the Covid-19 pandemic, our paper also focuses on the importance of by-products of extremophiles like biosurfactants in the vaccine production process. For advancement of the astrobiology sector, more PFA sites should be located and the extremophiles inhabiting them should be studied.
Extremophiles are organisms that can survive and thrive in conditions termed as “extreme” by human beings. Conventional methods cannot be applied under extreme conditions like temperature and pH fluctuations, high salinity, etc. for a variety of reasons. Extremophiles can function and are adapted to thrive in these environments and are sustainable, cheaper, and efficient, therefore, they serve as better alternatives to the traditional methods. They adapt to these environments with biochemical and physiological changes and produce products like extremolytes, extremozymes, biosurfactants, etc., which are found to be useful in a wide range of industries like sustainable agriculture, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. These products also play a crucial role in bioremediation, production of biofuels, biorefinery, and astrobiology. This review paper comprehensively lists out the current applications of extremophiles and their products in various industries and explores the prospects of the same. They help us understand the underlying basis of biological mechanisms exploring the boundaries of life and thus help us understand the origin and evolution of life on Earth. This helps us in the research for extra-terrestrial life and space exploration. The structure and biochemical properties of extremophiles along with any possible long-term effects of their applications need to be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Kochhar
- Department of Zoology, Hindu College, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India
| | - Kavya I․K
- Department of Zoology, Hindu College, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India
| | | | - Anshika Ghosh
- Department of Zoology, Hindu College, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India
| | | | - Kushneet Kaur Sodhi
- Department of Zoology, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India
| | - Mohit Kumar
- Department of Zoology, Hindu College, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India
- Corresponding author.
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Tochaikul G, Phattanasub A, Khemkham P, Saengthamthawee K, Danthanavat N, Moonkum N. Radioactive waste treatment technology: a review. KERNTECHNIK 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/kern-2021-1029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Radioactive waste is generated from activities that utilize nuclear materials such as nuclear medicine or power plants. Depending on their half-life, they emit radiation continuously, ranging from seconds to millions of years. Exposure to ionizing radiation can cause serious harm to humans and the environment. Therefore, special attention is paid to the management of radioactive waste in order to deal with its large quantity and dangerous levels. Current treatment technologies are still being developed to improve efficiency in reducing the hazard level and waste volume, to minimize the impact on living organisms. Thus, the aim of this study was to provide an overview of the global radioactive waste treatment technologies that have been released in 2019–2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunjanaporn Tochaikul
- Faculty of Radiological Technology, Rangsit University , 52/347 Lak Hok, Mueang Pathum Thani District , Pathum Thani 12000 , Thailand
| | - Archara Phattanasub
- Head of Radioactive Waste Technology and Development Section, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization) , Bangkok , Thailand
| | - Piyatida Khemkham
- Faculty of Radiological Technology, Rangsit University , 52/347 Lak Hok, Mueang Pathum Thani District , Pathum Thani 12000 , Thailand
| | - Kanjanaporn Saengthamthawee
- Faculty of Radiological Technology, Rangsit University , 52/347 Lak Hok, Mueang Pathum Thani District , Pathum Thani 12000 , Thailand
| | - Nuttapong Danthanavat
- Faculty of Radiological Technology, Rangsit University , 52/347 Lak Hok, Mueang Pathum Thani District , Pathum Thani 12000 , Thailand
| | - Nutthapong Moonkum
- Faculty of Radiological Technology, Rangsit University , 52/347 Lak Hok, Mueang Pathum Thani District , Pathum Thani 12000 , Thailand
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Santomartino R, Zea L, Cockell CS. The smallest space miners: principles of space biomining. Extremophiles 2022; 26:7. [PMID: 34993644 PMCID: PMC8739323 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-021-01253-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
As we aim to expand human presence in space, we need to find viable approaches to achieve independence from terrestrial resources. Space biomining of the Moon, Mars and asteroids has been indicated as one of the promising approaches to achieve in-situ resource utilization by the main space agencies. Structural and expensive metals, essential mineral nutrients, water, oxygen and volatiles could be potentially extracted from extraterrestrial regolith and rocks using microbial-based biotechnologies. The use of bioleaching microorganisms could also be applied to space bioremediation, recycling of waste and to reinforce regenerative life support systems. However, the science around space biomining is still young. Relevant differences between terrestrial and extraterrestrial conditions exist, including the rock types and ores available for mining, and a direct application of established terrestrial biomining techniques may not be a possibility. It is, therefore, necessary to invest in terrestrial and space-based research of specific methods for space applications to learn the effects of space conditions on biomining and bioremediation, expand our knowledge on organotrophic and community-based bioleaching mechanisms, as well as on anaerobic biomining, and investigate the use of synthetic biology to overcome limitations posed by the space environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Santomartino
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, UK.
| | - Luis Zea
- BioServe Space Technologies, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Charles S Cockell
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, UK
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Banerjee A, Sarkar S, Govil T, González-Faune P, Cabrera-Barjas G, Bandopadhyay R, Salem DR, Sani RK. Extremophilic Exopolysaccharides: Biotechnologies and Wastewater Remediation. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:721365. [PMID: 34489911 PMCID: PMC8417407 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.721365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Various microorganisms thrive under extreme environments, like hot springs, hydrothermal vents, deep marine ecosystems, hyperacid lakes, acid mine drainage, high UV exposure, and more. To survive against the deleterious effect of these extreme circumstances, they form a network of biofilm where exopolysaccharides (EPSs) comprise a substantial part. The EPSs are often polyanionic due to different functional groups in their structural backbone, including uronic acids, sulfated units, and phosphate groups. Altogether, these chemical groups provide EPSs with a negative charge allowing them to (a) act as ligands toward dissolved cations as well as trace, and toxic metals; (b) be tolerant to the presence of salts, surfactants, and alpha-hydroxyl acids; and (c) interface the solubilization of hydrocarbons. Owing to their unique structural and functional characteristics, EPSs are anticipated to be utilized industrially to remediation of metals, crude oil, and hydrocarbons from contaminated wastewaters, mines, and oil spills. The biotechnological advantages of extremophilic EPSs are more diverse than traditional biopolymers. The present review aims at discussing the mechanisms and strategies for using EPSs from extremophiles in industries and environment bioremediation. Additionally, the potential of EPSs as fascinating biomaterials to mediate biogenic nanoparticles synthesis and treat multicomponent water contaminants is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Banerjee
- Centro de investigación en Estudios Avanzados del Maule (CIEAM), Vicerrectoría de Investigación Y Posgrado, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
- Centro de Biotecnología de los Recursos Naturales (CENBio), Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias Y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Shrabana Sarkar
- Department of Botany, UGC-Center of Advanced Study, The University of Burdwan, Golapbag, Burdwan, India
| | - Tanvi Govil
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, South Dakota Mines, Rapid City, SD, United States
- Composite and Nanocomposite Advanced Manufacturing – Biomaterials Center, Rapid City, SD, United States
| | - Patricio González-Faune
- Escuela Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias Y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | | | - Rajib Bandopadhyay
- Department of Botany, UGC-Center of Advanced Study, The University of Burdwan, Golapbag, Burdwan, India
| | - David R. Salem
- Department of Botany, UGC-Center of Advanced Study, The University of Burdwan, Golapbag, Burdwan, India
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, South Dakota Mines, Rapid City, SD, United States
- Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, South Dakota Mines, Rapid City, SD, United States
| | - Rajesh K. Sani
- Department of Botany, UGC-Center of Advanced Study, The University of Burdwan, Golapbag, Burdwan, India
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, South Dakota Mines, Rapid City, SD, United States
- BuGReMeDEE Consortium, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, United States
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