PseudomonasApplications

Abstract

The genus Pseudomonas comprises a huge diversity of species which are adapted to very different environments. This capability to thrive in various habitats coincides with an enormous metabolic capacity of this genus which is reflected by the ability to use recalcitrant compounds as carbon source as well as to produce a wide range of secondary metabolites and biopolymers. These properties imply the production of a diversity of enzymes which have been also conceived as biocatalysts for various applications. In this review, an overview will be provided describing the current use as well as the potential use of pseudomonads and their enzymes in various biotechnological production processes. Besides the application of Pseudomonas for the production of biocatalysts and recombinant proteins, the biosynthesis pathways of commercially relevant biopolymers/biomolecules, such as alginates, elastomeric bioplastics, and rhamnolipids, will be described. These biosynthesis pathways have been successfully subjected to metabolic engineering for the production of tailor‐made biomolecules (biomaterials). Finally, environmental applications of various Pseudomonas species in biodegradation of recalcitrant pollutants as well as biocontrol agents in plant growth promotion will be discussed