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The STUDIA UNIVERSITATIS BABEŞ-BOLYAI issue article summary
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Abstract: In the last years, the extremely halophilic Archaea (haloarchaea) have become a focus of scientific interest owing to their unique properties in terms of physiology, ecology, biochemistry and molecular biology. Haloarchaea form dominant populations in hypersaline environments such as salt lakes, salterns, salt mines and salty soils, where the salt concentration exceeds 200-250 gl-1, or reaches NaCl saturation. Apart from their evolutionary and ecological significance, haloarchaea have promising biotechnological applications. Hypersaline habitats are widely distributed in Romania and represented by salt lakes or underground salt deposits from Slănic Prahova, Ocna Sibiului, Sovata-Praid, Turda, Buzău, Brăila, Râmnicu Vâlcea, etc. The aim of our studies was to evaluate the biotechnological potential of some Haloarcula and Halorubrum strains regarding the synthesis of exopolysaccharides (EPS) and extracellular hydrolytic enzymes (amylase, protease, esterase, lipase, pectinase, inulinase, cellulase), halocins production and their ability to grow in media with crude oil. The methods used to test the activities of enzymes listed above were those described in early studies. The results revealed that the majority of isolates were able to synthesize different hydrolytic enzymes (pectinase, amylase, protease, esterase). The combined hydrolytic activity was also detected in some haloarchaea strains. Two strains produced halocins which were active against other haloarchaea isolated from the same lake. The tested strains produced EPS in media with various carbon sources (glucose, fructose, sucrose, mannose). The haloarchaea isolated from Bride Cave Lake and from salt crystals have the ability to grow in the presence of 2 and 4 % crude oil.
Keywords: biotechnology, haloarchaea, Romanian hypersaline habitats |
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