Enzymes, Extremely Thermophilic

Abstract

The availability of enzymes with optimal functional temperatures above 70°C has had considerable impact on basic and applied elements of biocatalysis. Not only have extremely thermophilic enzymes expanded the known thermal range of biological systems but they have also ushered in a new era in applied biocatalysis that is less restricted by limitations related to thermoactivity and thermostability. While much effort has been directed at understanding the intrinsic basis for enzyme stabilization at high temperatures, there is still much to be learned to appreciate this complex biomolecular trait. Nonetheless, strategic uses of extremely thermophilic enzymes continue to emerge and prospects for expanded use of biocatalysts in a variety of bioprocess settings are promising. As genome sequence information from extremely thermophilic microorganisms is mined for novel biocatalysts and molecular biological tools for improving enzyme function are refined, the future is bright for biologically based catalysis.