Extremozymes: Unusual Biocatalysts with Distinct Genesis and Potential Applications in Industry and Research

Enzymes, called biocatalysts, have demonstrated exceptional abilities in transforming the pharmaceutical, chemical, biotechnological, bioremediation and agricultural sectors. However, the limited stability of these enzymes prevents them from being used in a wide range of applications. These limitations can be circumvented by enzymes produced by extremophiles, which are microorganisms that flourish in hostile settings. These enzymes, often called extremozymes, are crucial for industrial processes and scientific research because they can operate in harsh environmental conditions with high temperatures, pressures, salinities and pH levels. Extremozymes like thermophilic enzymes, psychrophilic enzymes, acidophilic proteins, alkaline enzymes and barophilic enzymes have been studied during the last few years and have great potential applications for biotechnology, such as in agricultural, chemical, biomedical and biotechnological processes. Extremozymes will significantly increase biotechnology’s potential for real-time applications. The objective of this article is to shed light on the origin, categorization and uses of extremozymes.