The Earth is dominated by terrestrial and aquatic low-temperature environments. Cold environments cover over 25% of the world’s terrestrial area and constitute a distinct biome known as the “cryosphere.” Bioprospecting in these unique ecological niches has uncovered a plethora of psychrophilic and psychrotolerant microorganisms with fascinating survival strategies.

Cold-adapted microorganisms, such as psychrophilic and psychrotolerant bacteria, archaea and fungi, undergo various cellular and biochemical modifications to mitigate the stresses of low temperatures. The metabolism of psychrophilic microorganisms is influenced by abiotic factors like temperature, pH, salinity, organic content, and inorganic nutrients. These factors also impact the composition of various microbial groups including psychrophilic members, such as Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Chlamydiae, as well as yeasts and filamentous fungi. Psychrophilic genera such as Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Serratia are notable for synthesizing pigments, exopolysaccharides, antibiotics, antifreeze compounds, antagonistic amalgams, and cold-active enzymes.

As cold-adapted microorganisms are becoming increasingly impacted by climate change, bioprospecting for psychrophiles is a rapidly expanding endeavour. For example, exopolysaccharides and various biotechnologically significant enzymes produced by cold-adapted species are finding applications in food, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. This Research Topic aims to summarize the functional versatility of cold-adapted microorganisms, emphasizing their unique characteristics and biotechnological applications. We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Opinion and Perspective articles on the following:

Ecological Adaptations of Psychrotolerant Microbes:
• Mechanisms of cellular and biochemical adaptations to low temperatures;
• Influence of abiotic factors on microbial metabolism and community composition;

Impact of Climate Change on Cold-Adapted Microbial Communities:
• Responses of psychrophilic microorganisms to shifting temperature regimes;
• Role of cold-adapted microbes in ecosystem protection and climate resilience.

Bioprospecting of Cold-Adapted Microorganisms:
• Advanced methodologies and technologies in the study of psychrophilic microbes;
•Exploration of bioactive compounds and enzymes produced by psychrophiles;
• Applications of cold-active enzymes and exopolysaccharides in industries.

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Frontiers in Microbiology

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