Halophilic bacteria are categorized based on their requirements to salt. They apply some strategies in adaptation to the high saline environment. Their low nutritional requirements and resistance to high concentrations of salt, introduce as potent agents in wide range of biotechnological applications. Halophilic bacteria are very divergent and more than 150 species introduce in 70 genera of halophilic bacteria are reported. Use of resistant microorganisms and their metabolites under harsh industrially conditions is a strikingly important subject. Various halophilic enzymes in different enzymatically processes, compatible solutes as macromolecule stabilizers, biopolymers, biofertilizers and pharmaceutically active molecules from halophilic bacteria are among the important applications of these group. Additionally, they have many potential in bioremediation of various organic and inorganic pollutants from environment. This chapter covers the different aspects of potential applications of halophilic bacteria in biotechnology.
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IntroductionMicrobial life exists in hypersaline habitat refl ects the adaption of microorganisms to high concentration of salts. Halophilic and halotolerant organisms are found in all three domains of life: Archaea , Bacteria , and Eukarya . According to the requirement