Unconventional Organisms in Biotechnology

While bioprocesses using Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium glutamicum, different bacillus and lactic acid bacteria, and clostridia, the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia pastoris as well as Chinese hamster ovary cells are widely established, the high microbial diversity has not yet been technical exploited. However, the use of alternative organisms can considerably extend the process window of bioprocesses. The extensions can include the utilization of alternative substrates such as CO2 or methane, unusual process conditions (temperatures, media conditions), or the exploitation of the microbial diversity (biofilm growth, alternative electron transport systems), itself. A variety of unusual organisms are currently being investigated. Bringing these hidden champions into application will enable more efficient processes with environmental and ecological benefits. Here, the current progress in the development of processes based on the alternative organisms is presented. In all chapters, first the microbiological and biochemical special features of the organisms are described. Afterwards, typical biotechnological processes based on the organisms are discussed. Finally, the current challenges and future trends in the application of the organisms are highlighted.