The world of halophiles is quite diverse and their representatives in three domains of life i.e. archaea, bacteria and eukarya. They are found all over the small subunit rRNA based tree of life and these micro-organisms are adapted to salt concentration up to saturation hence able to grow at >300g/l Nacl concentration. Their metabolic diversity is high as well encompassing oxygenic and anoxygenic phototrophs, aerobic heterotrophs, denitrifiers, sulphate reducers, fermenters and methanogens. The proteins of halophiles are magnificently engineered to function in a milieu containing 2-5M salt that encodes genes represent a valuable repository and resource for reconstruction and visualizing processes of habitat selection and adaptive evolution. Search for new enzymes endowed with novel activities and enhanced stability continues to be desirable purpose for important commercial production of biotechnological significance. These poly extremophiles proved excellent source of enzymes and metabolites possessing inherent ability to function in extreme conditions of high salt, alkaline pH and facilitating catalysis for industrial application in food processing, industrial bioconversion, bioremediation etc. In fact, it has just begun to realize the great potential and true extent of diversity and suitable applications if explored them judiciously. This book highlights current applications and research on halophiles to provide a timely overview. Chapters are written by expert authors from around the world and include topics of varied importance which include their role to play in enzyme production, restoration of soil fertility and plant growth , antimicrobial and biocatalytic potential, biomolecules in nanotechnology and aspects of quorum sensing. The book is divided into three sections, dealing with biodiversity, biotechnology and sustainable exploitation of halophiles. This major new work represents a valuable source of information to all those scientists interested in microorganisms in general and extremophiles in particular with respect to their innovative products and applications.

A book for anyone interested in halophilic bacteria The Biology of Halophilic Bacteria presents detailed information regarding methods for working with halophilic bacteria. Helpful hints for performing various tests and assays in high salts are given, and information about data presentation and analysis is provided as well. The book will be useful to molecular biologists, biochemists, ecologists, and others interested in halophilic bacteria.

This book presents the latest results in the exploration of halophilic bacteria, archaea, fungi and viruses. Basic and molecular aspects as well as possible biotechnological applications of halophiles are highlighted by leading scientists. Topics include: the family Halomonadaceae; the hypersaline lakes of Inner Mongolia ; Salinibacter ruber - from genomics to microevolution and ecology; the impact of lipidomics on the microbial world of hypersaline environments; molecular mechanisms of adaptation to high salt concentration in the black yeast Hortaea werneckii; viruses in hypersaline environments; initiation and regulation of translation in halophilic Archaea; protein transport into and across haloarchaeal cytoplasmic membranes; protein glycosylation in Haloferax volcanii; the effect of anoxic conditions and temperature on gas vesicle formation in Halobacterium salinarum; halophiles exposed to multiple stressors; cellular adjustments of Bacillus subtilis to fluctuating salinities; the nature and function of carotenoids in Halobacillus halophilus; xanthorhodopsin; enzymatic biomass degradation by halophilic microorganisms; and enzymes from halophilic Archaea.

The Halophiles 2013 meeting is a multidisciplinary international congress, with a strong history of regular triennial meetings since 1978. Our mission is to bring researchers from a wide diversity of investigation interests (e.g., protein and species evolution; niche adaptation, ecology, taxonomy, genomics, metagenomics, horizontal gene transfer, gene regulation; DNA replication, repair and recombination; signal transduction; community assembly and species distribution; astrobiology; biotechnological applications; adaptation to radiation, desiccation, osmotic stress) into a single forum for the integration and synthesis of ideas and data from all three domains of life, and their viruses, yet from a single environment; salt concentrations greater than seawater. This cross-section of research informs our understanding of the microbiological world in many ways. The halophilic environment is extreme, especially above 10% NaCl, restricting life solely to microbes. The microorganisms that live there are adapted to extreme conditions, and are notable for their ability to survive high doses of radiation and desiccation. Therefore, the hypersaline environment is a model system (both the abiotic, and biologic factors) for insightful understanding regarding conditions and life in the absence of plant and animals (e.g., life on the early earth, and other solar system bodies like Mars and Europa). Lower salinity conditions (e.g., 6-10% NaCl) form luxuriant microbial mats considered modern analogues of fossilized stromatolites, which are enormous microbially produced structures fashioned during the Precambrian (and still seen today in places like Shark’s Bay, Australia). Hypersaline systems are island-like habitats spread patchily across the earth’s surface, and similar to the Galapagos Islands represent unique systems excellent for studying the evolutionary pressures that shape microbial community assembly, adaptation, and speciation. The unique adaptations to this extreme environment produce valuable proteins, enzymes and other molecules capable of remediating harsh human instigated environments, and are useful for the production of biofuels, vitamins, and retinal implants, for example. This research topic is intended to capture the breadth and depth of these topics.

The halophilic microorganisms form a highly diverse group of organisms. They present the biochemist/physiologist with interesting questions on the strategies used to cope with high osmotic pressures exerted by hypersaline brines. They often have a strong impact on the ecosystems in which they thrive. The first section of the book presents in-depth discussions of the taxonomy, cellular properties, metabolic diversity, pigments, ion metabolism and organic osmotic solutes, properties of halophilic proteins, genetics, and biotechnological uses of halophilic microorganisms. The second section describes the occurrence and functioning of these organisms in the Great Salt Lake, the Dead Sea, solar saltern ponds, alkaline soda lakes, and other hypersaline environments worldwide. Each chapter contains an extensive list of references. No other book provides in-depth up-to-date coverage of all subjects described. The volume is intended for researchers and students interested in microbial physiology, microbial ecology, environmental sciences, and extremophilic biotechnology.

This volume presents a wide range of new approaches aimed at improving the safety and quality of food products and agricultural commodities. Each chapter provides in-depth information on new and emerging food preservation techniques including those relating to decontamination, drying and dehydration, packaging innovations and the use of botanicals as natural preservatives for fresh animal and plant products. The 28 chapters, contributed by an international team of experienced researchers, are presented in five sections, covering: Novel decontamination techniques Novel preservation techniques Active and atmospheric packaging Food packaging Mathematical modelling of food preservation processes Natural preservatives This title will be of great interest to food scientists and engineers based in food manufacturing and in research establishments. It will also be useful to advanced students of food science and technology.

Enzymes play a vital role in the enzymatic hydrolysis of waste for its conversion to useful value-added products. Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Waste for Development of Value-added Products focusses on the role of key enzymes such as cellulase, hemicellulases, amylases, and auxiliary enzymes (LMPOs), used in the hydrolysis step of the biorefinery setup. Further, it discusses the role of enzymes in the generation of reducing sugars and value-added compounds, with major emphasis on recent advances in the field. The mechanism, importance, type, evolution, and role of enzymes in hydrolysis constitute the crux of this volume, which is illustrated with examples and pertinent case studies. Features: • Explores the role of hydrolyzing enzymes in the breakdown and transformation of biomass hydrolysis. • Discusses the potential of auxiliary enzymes (LPMOs) for enhancing hydrolysis potential. • Covers recent developments in the field of enzymatic-assisted hydrolysis of waste for conversion of waste to value-added products. • Deliberates all possible products that can be generated from enzymatic hydrolysis of waste and their potential utilization. • Elucidates the limitations and advantages of enzyme-based hydrolysis and possible strategies for moving from the laboratory to large scale industries. This book is aimed at graduate students, researchers and related industry professionals in biochemical engineering, environmental science, wastewater treatment, biotechnology, applied microbiology, biomass-based biorefinery, biochemistry, green chemistry, sustainable development, waste treatment, enzymology, microbial biotechnology, and waste valorization.

Methods in Microbiology

Stem Cells and Signaling Pathways provides mechanistic insights into the role of stem cells to combat the COVID-19 outbreak and other pathologies where a cytokine storm is the cause of concern for e.g., radiation exposure, multiple organ failure and sepsis. The advent of SARS-CoV-2 resulted in a global pandemic, putting individuals with other comorbidities at a higher risk of infection. The whole world witnessed a massive shortage of medical and other essential supplies needed to combat the virus. That said, stem cell therapy has emerged as a potential treatment for viral diseases, including but not limited to COVID-19. Interestingly, the clinical trials in the patients having COVID-19 complications depicted faster recovery in patients post mesenchymal stem cells therapy owing to the decreased cytokines levels, anti-viral effects and regeneration of the infected tissue. • Provides a compilation of chapters dedicated to the study of the field with respect to properties of stem cells and their signaling pathways. It also provides detailed information on signaling pathways associated with stem cells.• Provides a detailed and updated view of stem cell biology.• Covers a wide range of areas within basic and translational research appropriate for scientistsand clinicians engaged in studying the treatments for diseases from interdisciplinary perspectives.• Highlights the use of different models for stem cell research, significance of stem cell signaling in drug discovery.