Extremophiles: A Source of Pharmacologically Important Biomolecules

Extremophiles are microorganisms that can survive and thrive in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, salinity, fluctuations in pH, acidity, pressure, alkalinity, radiation, dryness, and more. These microorganisms are adapted to these environments and have developed survival mechanisms, including genetic changes leading to molecular modifications allowing thermostability and other properties linked to their resistance to harsh conditions. Extremophiles, with their adaptations, are found in bacteria, fungi, and microalgae, and it is essential to highlight that their bioproducts have special characteristics. For instance, enzymes from psychrophiles from polar regions and glaciers are adapted to cold environments, increasing the number of unsaturated fatty acids; a charged cell wall with teichurono peptide and teichuronic acid or polyglutamic is found in extremophiles that inhabit soda lakes. Several other adaptations are reported. Due to the diversity of microorganisms and their unique properties, this group has become the focus of various biotechnological applications spanning multiple sectors, including cosmetics, bioenergy, food processing, agriculture, dairy, bioremediation, and the pharmaceutical industry.