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Extremophiles Breakthrough: Hot Topics and Current Issues in Their Isolation,...
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Extremophiles Breakthrough: Hot Topics and Current Issues in Their Isolation, Identification and Biotechnological Applications

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2024) | Viewed by 11217

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Giovanni Gallo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
Interests: extremophiles; Thermus thermophilus; arsenic resistance systems; genome-editing tools; synthetic biology; β-aminoacidos
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Martina Aulitto

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) of Italy, Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy
2. Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
3. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Berkeley, CA, USA
Interests: extremophiles; Thermus thermophilus; arsenic resistance systems; genome editing tools; synthetic biology; β-amino acids
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the last few decades, the study of extremophiles has led to many discoveries that are useful in understanding how life evolved in particular ecological niches, as many enzymes derived from extremophilic microorganisms have had significant impacts on our lifestyle. The search for new extremophiles is crucial not only from an ecological point of view, but also from a biotechnological point of view. Extremophiles are considered to be factories of high-value molecules that are able to retain their biological activities under harsh conditions, normally employed in industrial processes. Moreover, recent studies have focused on the exploitation of these microorganisms for the isolation of enzymes to be used for sustainable bio-energy and bio-fuel production. As the Guest Editors of this Special Issue, we are pleased to invite you to submit your cutting-edge research articles and reviews related to extremophiles.

Dr. Giovanni Gallo
Dr. Martina Aulitto
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • astrobiology
  • biochemistry and molecular biology
  • biodiversity and ecology
  • biotechnology
  • extraterrestrial analogs
  • extreme environments
  • extremophiles
  • genetics, genomics, and proteomics
  • origin of life
  • phylogeny and evolution
  • physiology and metabolism

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 850 KiB  
Article
Methods for Screening and Isolating Extremely Heat-Resistant Escherichia coli from Meat Sources
by Manita Guragain, Gregory E. Smith and Joseph M. Bosilevac
Life 2024, 14(9), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091123 - 5 Sep 2024
Viewed by 711
Abstract
Meat animals harbor diverse E. coli populations in their digestive tracts and can serve as sources of pathogenic E. coli. The consumption of meat and produce contaminated with virulent E. coli from animal sources is associated with human illnesses and outbreaks. Heat [...] Read more.
Meat animals harbor diverse E. coli populations in their digestive tracts and can serve as sources of pathogenic E. coli. The consumption of meat and produce contaminated with virulent E. coli from animal sources is associated with human illnesses and outbreaks. Heat treatment is an antimicrobial intervention that is commonly used during meat processing to ensure effective reductions in microbial load. Extreme heat resistance (XHR) has been reported among meat-borne E. coli and is mainly attributed to an ~15–19 kb genetic element known as the transmissible locus of stress tolerance (tLST). XHR E. coli can resist treatments used during meat processing and cooking. Therefore, the detection of heat-resistant E. coli is important for devising effective control measures to prevent meat spoilage and ensure meat safety. Here, we present methods used to (1) screen for tLST genes by multiplex PCR and (2) screen and isolate XHR E. coli from meat sources. The mode of heat exposure affects the outcome of XHR testing. Hence, the protocols were optimized to achieve maximum agreement between the tLST genotype and the XHR phenotype. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extremophiles Breakthrough: Hot Topics and Current Issues in Their Isolation, Identification and Biotechnological Applications)
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18 pages, 3792 KiB  
Article
Study of the Bacterial, Fungal, and Archaeal Communities Structures near the Bulgarian Antarctic Research Base “St. Kliment Ohridski” on Livingston Island, Antarctica
by Vesselin V. Doytchinov, Slavil Peykov and Svetoslav G. Dimov
Life 2024, 14(2), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14020278 - 19 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1663
Abstract
As belonging to one of the most isolated continents on our planet, the microbial composition of different environments in Antarctica could hold a plethora of undiscovered species with the potential for biotechnological applications. This manuscript delineates our discoveries after an expedition to the [...] Read more.
As belonging to one of the most isolated continents on our planet, the microbial composition of different environments in Antarctica could hold a plethora of undiscovered species with the potential for biotechnological applications. This manuscript delineates our discoveries after an expedition to the Bulgarian Antarctic Base “St. Kliment Ohridski” situated on Livingston Island, Antarctica. Amplicon-based metagenomics targeting the 16S rRNA genes and ITS2 region were employed to assess the metagenomes of the bacterial, fungal, and archaeal communities across diverse sites within and proximal to the research station. The predominant bacterial assemblages identified included Oxyphotobacteria, Bacteroidia, Gammaprotobacteria, and Alphaprotobacteria. A substantial proportion of cyanobacteria reads were attributed to a singular uncultured taxon within the family Leptolyngbyaceae. The bacterial profile of a lagoon near the base exhibited indications of penguin activity, characterized by a higher abundance of Clostridia, similar to lithotelm samples from Hannah Pt. Although most fungal reads in the samples could not be identified at the species level, noteworthy genera, namely Betamyces and Tetracladium, were identified. Archaeal abundance was negligible, with prevalent groups including Woesearchaeales, Nitrosarchaeum, Candidatus Nitrosopumilus, and Marine Group II. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extremophiles Breakthrough: Hot Topics and Current Issues in Their Isolation, Identification and Biotechnological Applications)
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12 pages, 2312 KiB  
Article
Characterization of a Type II L-Asparaginase from the Halotolerant Bacillus subtilis CH11
by Annsy Arredondo-Nuñez, Gisele Monteiro, Carol N. Flores-Fernández, Lina Antenucci, Perttu Permi and Amparo Iris Zavaleta
Life 2023, 13(11), 2145; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13112145 - 31 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1959
Abstract
L-asparaginases from bacterial sources have been used in antineoplastic treatments and the food industry. A type II L-asparaginase encoded by the N-truncated gene ansZP21 of halotolerant Bacillus subtilis CH11 isolated from Chilca salterns in Peru was expressed using a heterologous system in Escherichia [...] Read more.
L-asparaginases from bacterial sources have been used in antineoplastic treatments and the food industry. A type II L-asparaginase encoded by the N-truncated gene ansZP21 of halotolerant Bacillus subtilis CH11 isolated from Chilca salterns in Peru was expressed using a heterologous system in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3)pLysS. The recombinant protein was purified using one-step nickel affinity chromatography and exhibited an activity of 234.38 U mg−1 and a maximum catalytic activity at pH 9.0 and 60 °C. The enzyme showed a homotetrameric form with an estimated molecular weight of 155 kDa through gel filtration chromatography. The enzyme half-life at 60 °C was 3 h 48 min, and L-asparaginase retained 50% of its initial activity for 24 h at 37 °C. The activity was considerably enhanced by KCl, CaCl2, MgCl2, mercaptoethanol, and DL-dithiothreitol (p-value < 0.01). Moreover, the Vmax and Km were 145.2 µmol mL−1 min−1 and 4.75 mM, respectively. These findings evidence a promising novel type II L-asparaginase for future industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extremophiles Breakthrough: Hot Topics and Current Issues in Their Isolation, Identification and Biotechnological Applications)
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20 pages, 2495 KiB  
Article
Microbial Ecosystems in Movile Cave: An Environment of Extreme Life
by Joost W. Aerts, Serban M. Sarbu, Traian Brad, Pascale Ehrenfreund and Hans V. Westerhoff
Life 2023, 13(11), 2120; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13112120 - 26 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1843
Abstract
Movile Cave, situated in Romania close to the Black Sea, constitutes a distinct and challenging environment for life. Its partially submerged ecosystem depends on chemolithotrophic processes for its energetics, which are fed by a continuous hypogenic inflow of mesothermal waters rich in reduced [...] Read more.
Movile Cave, situated in Romania close to the Black Sea, constitutes a distinct and challenging environment for life. Its partially submerged ecosystem depends on chemolithotrophic processes for its energetics, which are fed by a continuous hypogenic inflow of mesothermal waters rich in reduced chemicals such as hydrogen sulfide and methane. We sampled a variety of cave sublocations over the course of three years. Furthermore, in a microcosm experiment, minerals were incubated in the cave waters for one year. Both endemic cave samples and extracts from the minerals were subjected to 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The sequence data show specific community profiles in the different subenvironments, indicating that specialized prokaryotic communities inhabit the different zones in the cave. Already after one year, the different incubated minerals had been colonized by specific microbial communities, indicating that microbes in Movile Cave can adapt in a relatively short timescale to environmental opportunities in terms of energy and nutrients. Life can thrive, diversify and adapt in remote and isolated subterranean environments such as Movile Cave. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extremophiles Breakthrough: Hot Topics and Current Issues in Their Isolation, Identification and Biotechnological Applications)
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Review

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14 pages, 603 KiB  
Review
Extremophiles and Extremophilic Behaviour—New Insights and Perspectives
by George N. Angelakis, Chrysianna Psarologaki, Stergios Pirintsos and Kiriakos Kotzabasis
Life 2024, 14(11), 1425; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14111425 - 5 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1013
Abstract
Extremophiles, throughout evolutionary time, have evolved a plethora of unique strategies to overcome hardships associated with the environments they are found in. Modifying their genome, showing a bias towards certain amino acids, redesigning their proteins, and enhancing their membranes and other organelles with [...] Read more.
Extremophiles, throughout evolutionary time, have evolved a plethora of unique strategies to overcome hardships associated with the environments they are found in. Modifying their genome, showing a bias towards certain amino acids, redesigning their proteins, and enhancing their membranes and other organelles with specialised chemical compounds are only some of those strategies. Scientists can utilise such attributes of theirs for a plethora of biotechnological and astrobiological applications. Moreover, the rigorous study of such microorganisms regarding their evolution and ecological niche can offer deep insight into science’s most paramount inquiries such as how life originated on Earth and whether we are alone in the universe. The intensification of studies involving extremophiles in the future can prove to be highly beneficial for humanity, even potentially ameliorating modern problems such as those related to climate change while also expanding our knowledge about the complex biochemical reactions that ultimately resulted in life as we know it today. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extremophiles Breakthrough: Hot Topics and Current Issues in Their Isolation, Identification and Biotechnological Applications)
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16 pages, 541 KiB  
Review
Advances in Extremophile Research: Biotechnological Applications through Isolation and Identification Techniques
by Giovanni Gallo and Martina Aulitto
Life 2024, 14(9), 1205; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091205 - 23 Sep 2024
Viewed by 3009
Abstract
Extremophiles, organisms thriving in extreme environments such as hot springs, deep-sea hydrothermal vents, and hypersaline ecosystems, have garnered significant attention due to their remarkable adaptability and biotechnological potential. This review presents recent advancements in isolating and characterizing extremophiles, highlighting their applications in enzyme [...] Read more.
Extremophiles, organisms thriving in extreme environments such as hot springs, deep-sea hydrothermal vents, and hypersaline ecosystems, have garnered significant attention due to their remarkable adaptability and biotechnological potential. This review presents recent advancements in isolating and characterizing extremophiles, highlighting their applications in enzyme production, bioplastics, environmental management, and space exploration. The unique biological mechanisms of extremophiles offer valuable insights into life’s resilience and potential uses in industry and astrobiology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extremophiles Breakthrough: Hot Topics and Current Issues in Their Isolation, Identification and Biotechnological Applications)
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