Thermophilic, Heterotrophic Anaerobes—Recent Advances in Phylogeny and Biotechnology

Dear Colleagues,

Hot environments are home to a wide variety of thermophilic anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms. Aerobic thermophiles have received most of the interest in the past but thermophilic, heterotrophic, anaerobes have received less attention. Thermophilic bacteria within the genera of Thermoanaerobacter, Caldanaerobacter, Clostridium, Thermoanaerobacterium, Caldicellulosiruptor, Thermotoga, and Caloramator are well-known thermophilic, anaerobic bacteria that produce a wide variety of end products from various carbohydrates, proteins and amino acids. Some species within these genera have been studied because of their capacity to produce biofuels (ethanol and hydrogen) from sugars and complex biomass. Recently, some members within some of these genera have been used for the production of fine chemicals, e.g., 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, branched-chain alcohols from sugars and amino acids. Increased attention has also been on the genetic engineering of these bacteria, to e.g., eliminate the production of undesired end products and/or to increase the production of the desired product. The main aim of this special issue is to provide an overview of recent advances in studies concerning the phylogeny and physiology of thermophilic and hyperthermophilic anaerobes, both fundamental activities, and to their applications in biotechnology. Emphasis will be on the molecular methods to identify thermophilic anaerobic bacteria as well as on their physiology and capacity to produce biofuels (hydrogen and ethanol) and fine chemicals (1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, high carbon alcohols). Additionally, the production and use of thermophilic/tolerant enzymes used in industrial processes will be focused upon, and the latest developments in genetic engineering in the field.

Prof. Dr. Johann Örlygsson
Guest Editor

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• thermophilic
• anaerobe
• genetic engineering
• biofuels
• fine chemicals
• enzymes