title: Systematic and biotechnological aspects of halophilic and halotolerant actinomycetes.
abstract: More than 70 species of halotolerant and halophilic actinomycetes belonging to at least 24 genera have been validly described. Halophilic actinomycetes are a less explored source of actinomycetes for discovery of novel bioactive secondary metabolites. Degradation of aliphatic and aromatic organic compounds, detoxification of pollutants, production of new enzymes and other metabolites such as antibiotics, compatible solutes and polymers are other potential industrial applications of halophilic and halotolerant actinomycetes. Especially new bioactive secondary metabolites that are derived from only a small fraction of the investigated halophilic actinomycetes, mainly from marine habitats, have revealed the huge capacity of this physiological group in production of new bioactive chemical entities. Combined high metabolic capacities of actinomycetes and unique features related to extremophilic nature of the halophilic actinomycetes have conferred on them an influential role for future biotechnological applications.
authors.affiliation: Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 14155-6455, Tehran, Iran. hamedi@ut.ac.ir
authors.forename: Javad
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hamedi
authors.forename: Fatemeh
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mohammadipanah
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ventosa
mesh_terms: D039903:Actinobacteria / Q000502:physiology*; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*