Review Paper:
Unveiling the
Heat-Loving Microheroes - A Deep Dive into the World of Thermophilic Bacteria: A
Review
Shakya Poonam, Nayak Anju, Rai Ajay, Singh R.P. and Garg Akshay
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(6); 165-174;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/206rjbt1650174; (2025)
Abstract
Thermophilic bacteria thrive in environments exceeding 70°C, from hot springs to
terrestrial oil reservoirs, they possess remarkable resilience and adaptability,
making them unique in the microbial world. These heat-loving microorganisms exhibit
high metabolic activity, enabling them to produce thermally stable enzymes that
function optimally under extreme conditions. Such enzymes are highly valued in various
industries including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and environmental management
where they offer more efficient and environmentally friendly processes compared
to conventional methods.
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, essential in molecular biology, utilizes
Taq polymerase from the thermophilic bacterium Thermus aquaticus. Additionally,
thermophilic bacteria are being explored for applications in biofuel production,
waste management and the food and beverage industry. Their ability to survive in
extreme conditions also makes them important for studying the limits of life, potentially
offering insights into the origins of life on the Earth and the possibilities of
life beyond our planet.
