Extremozymes--biocatalysts with unique properties from extremophilic microorganisms.

Extremozymes are enzymes derived from extremophilic microorganisms that are able to withstand harsh conditions in industrial processes that were long thought to be destructive to proteins. Heat-stable and solvent-tolerant biocatalysts are valuable tools for processes in which for example hardly decomposable polymers need to be liquefied and degraded, while cold-active enzymes are of relevance for food and detergent industries. Extremophilic microorganisms are a rich source of naturally tailored enzymes, which are more superior over their mesophilic counterparts for applications at extreme conditions. Especially lignocellulolytic, amylolytic, and other biomass processing extremozymes with unique properties are widely distributed in thermophilic prokaryotes and are of high potential for versatile industrial processes.