2 Current Biotechnology, 2014, Volume 3, No.

1 Editorial

Editorial
Applications of Extremophiles in Biotechnology
Complementing the special issue “Biotechnological Applications of Extremophiles” published in the last volume of Current
Biotechnology [1], this issue continues presenting interesting applications of extremophiles in different areas of biotechnology
in a collection of 9 papers written by authors who are leading experts in the field.
In the first paper of this issue, Roush et al. (2014) discussed the potential industrial applications of halophilic fermentative
bacteria from the order Halanaerobiales [2]. Kunte et al. (2014) discussed the biotechnological production of ectoines, their
uses as protein and cell-stabilizing agents, use in skin-care products and their potential for medical applications [3]. Linares-
Pastén et al. (2014) highlighted the current findings on the application of glycoside hydrolases related to the biorefining context
(for production of food, chemicals, and fuels) [4]. Bergquist et al. (2014) described the characterization and application of
thermophilic enzymes for several activities that have been identified and (usually) produced in recombinant bacteria [5].
Mercado-Blanco and Lugtenberg (2014) presented an excellent review on the biotechnological potential of bacterial endophytes
and the possible mechanisms involved [6]. Hjorleifsdottir et al. (2014) reported the isolation and characterization of a novel and
non-ubiquitous thermostable DNA polymerase in Thermus antranikianii with interesting properties, thus being a suitable
candidate for isothermal amplification procedures at moderate high temperature [7]. Yun et al. (2014) briefly summarized
recent proteomic technologies applicable to bacteria and archea extremophiles and reviewed the literature describing proteomic
research in these microorganisms [8]. Chattopadhyay et al. (2014) provided an overview on the adaptation and biotechnological
applications of psychrophilic microorganisms from Antarctica, Arctic and Himalayan glaciers [9]. In the last paper, Mishra et al.
(2014) described the protection of semiquinone glucoside derivative (SQGD) isolated from radioresistant bacterium Bacillus sp
against ionizing radiation induced oxidative damage, by in vitro assay with BSA and Hind III enzyme as indicators [10].
Through the papers presented in these two special issues, the readers may have a glimpse of why the application of
extremophiles and their biologically active compounds has opened a new era in biotechnology. I would like to thank the authors
and co-authors for submitting such interesting contributions. I also thank the Editorial Office and numerous reviewers for their
valuable assistance in reviewing the manuscripts.

REFERENCES
[1] Rampelotto PH. Thematic issue: Biotechnological applications of extremophiles. Curr Biotechnol 2013; 2(4): 273-4.
[2] Roush DW, Elias DA, Mormile MR. Metabolic capabilities of the members of the order halanaerobiales and their potential biotechnological
applications. Curr Biotechnol 2014; 3(1): 3-9.
[3] Kunte HJ, Lentzen G, Galinski EA. Industrial production of the cell protectant ectoine: Protection mechanisms, processes, and products. Curr
Biotechnol 2013; 3(1): 10-25.
[4] Linares-Pastén JA, Andersson M, Karlsson EN. Thermostable glycoside hydrolases in biorefinery technologies. Curr Biotechnol 2014; 3(1): 26-44.
[5] Bergquist PL, Morgan HW, Saul D. Selected enzymes from extreme thermophiles with applications in biotechnology. Curr Biotechnol 2014; 3(1): 45-
59.
[6] Mercado-Blanco J, Lugtenberg BJJ. Biotechnological application of bacterial endophytes. Curr Biotechnol 2014; 3(1): 60-75.
[7] Hjorleifsdottir S, Blöndal T, Ævarsson A, Fridjónsson ÓH, Ernstsson S, Hreggvidsson GO, et al. Isothermal DNA amplification by a novel and bon-
ubiquitous thermus polymerase A. Curr Biotechnol 2014; 3(1): 76-86.
[8] Yun SH, Lee YG, Choi CW, Lee SY, Kim SI. Proteomic exploration of extremophiles. Curr Biotechnol 2014; 3(1): 87-99.
[9] Chattopadhyay MK, Reddy GSN, Shivaji S. Psychrophilic Bacteria: Biodiversity, molecular basis of cold adaptation and biotechnolgical implications.
Curr Biotechnol 2014; 3(1): 100-16
[10] Mishra S, Gupta AK, Malhotra P, Singh PK, Pathak R, Kukreti SK, et al. Protection against ionizing radiation induced oxidative damage to structural
and functional proteins by semiquinone glucoside derivative isolated from radioresistant bacterium bacillus sp. INM-1. Curr Biotechnol 2014; 3(1):
117-26.

Pabulo Henrique Rampelotto

(Guest Editor)
Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research
Federal University of Pampa
São Gabriel, RS
Brazil
E-mail: pabulo@lacesm.ufsm.br