Hot environments are home to a wide variety of thermophilic anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms. While the existence of thermophilic microorganisms has been known for over a century, only since the 1970s have environments in which thermophiles dwell been scrutinized. While aerobic thermophiles have received most of the interest, thermophilic and hyperthermophilic anaerobes have received less attention. This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamental aspects of thermophilic and hyperthermophilic anaerobes, from their environments to their applications in biotechnology. The main emphasis will be on the production by thermophilic anaerobes of low-value, high-volume compounds like biofuels and high-value, low-volume compounds like 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, branched chain alcohols, and enzymes used in industrial processes. Special emphasis is also on the latest developments in genetic engineering, within the field.

The Research Topic welcomes forward-looking researchers submitting Original Research, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Perspectives and Opinions related, but not limited to the following topics:

1. Production of ethanol by thermophilic and hyperthermophilic, anaerobic bacteria;

2. Production of hydrogen by thermophilic and hyperthermophilic, anaerobic bacteria;

3. Recent developments in genetic engineering of thermophilic and extremophilic ethanol and hydrogen-producing, anaerobic bacteria;

4. Production of fine chemicals with thermophilic and hyperthermophilic bacteria;

5. Production of cellulases and hemicellulases with thermophilic and hyperthermophilic, anaerobic bacteria;

6. Recent development in genetic engineering with thermophilic and hyperthermophilic, anaerobic bacteria to enhance the production of cellulases and hemicellulases;

7. Production of other enzymes (pectinase, keratinase, lipase etc) with thermophilic and hyperthermophilic, anaerobic bacteria;

8. Physiology of thermophilic and hyperthermophilic, anaerobic bacteria.

Submit your idea

Impact

Frontiers in Microbiology

Submit your idea

Impact