Alkaliphiles

Abstract

The term alkaliphile is used for microorganisms that grow optimally or very well at pH values above 9, but cannot grow or grow only slowly at the near neutral pH value of 6.5. Alkaliphiles include prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and archaea. Alkaliphiles can be isolated from normal environments such as garden soil, although viable counts of alkaliphiles are higher in samples from alkaline environments. The cell surface plays a key role in keeping the intracellular pH value in the range between 7 and 8.5, allowing alkaliphiles to thrive in alkaline environments. Alkaliphiles have made a great impact in industrial applications. Biological detergents contain alkaline enzymes, such as alkaline cellulases and/or alkaline proteases that have been produced from alkaliphiles. Another important application is the industrial production of cyclodextrin with alkaline cyclomaltodextrin glucanotransferase. This enzyme reduced the production cost and paved the way for cyclodextrin use in large quantities in foodstuffs, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. It has also been reported that alkali-treated wood pulp could be biologically bleached by xylanases produced by alkaliphiles.

(Communicated by Masanao MATSUI, M.J.A.)