Forum Science & Industry, Sion

Extremophiles, a source of innovation for industrial products & processes

In the near future, extremophiles are going to play a more and more important role in various industries as a source for new enzymes. Recent research developments further highlighted the tremendous potential of such micro-organisms, opening the way to a whole range of new applications.

Microorganisms from extreme environments are a source for a variety of high value compounds such as anti-oxidants, bio-stabilizers, compatible solutes, bio-surfactants, bio-polymers, etc. Their enzymes are able to catalyze reactions under high and low temperature, pH, pressure or salinity.

The application field is wide: biocatalytic synthesis of fine chemicals, bioanalytics, molecular biology, health care (new anti-microbials), food products or even microelectronics (metallic and metalloid nanoparticles production). Dr. Jenny Blamey from the Fundacion Biociencia in Chile will share with you her expertise on this field and comment on the ambitious “sampling” program they started in Antarctica.

Programme available in the document here below.