THERMOPHILIC BACTERIA - ECOLOGY, PHYSIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY

Thermophilic bacteria are common in soil and volcanic habitats and have a limited species composition. Yet they possess all the major nutritional categories and metabolize the same substrates as mesophilic bacteria. The ability to proliferate at growth temperature optima well above 60°C is associated with extremely thermally stable macromolecules. As a consequence of growth at high temperature and unique macromolecular properties, thermophilic bacteria can possess high metabolic rates, physically and chemically stable enzymes, and lower growth but higher end product yields than similar mesophilic species. Thermophilic processes appear more stable, rapid and less expensive, and facilitate reactant activity and product recovery. Thermophilic bacteria have application in chemical feedstock and fuel production, bioconversion of wastes, enzyme technology, and single cell protein production. This paper reviews the fundamental and applied aspects of thermophilic bacteria that are of potential industrial interest. © 1979.