New Horizons in Halophilic Microbes and Their Enzymes

This book presents a collection of the latest developments in halophile research over the last decade. The multi-themed volume captures emerging insights into halophilic microbes’ diversity, physiology, and unique adaptation. The book emphasizes new advances in genomics, novel biomolecules, and extremozymes functional under saline conditions. Key applications include antimicrobial halocins, plastic-degrading enzymes, drug-like compounds from marine actinomycetes, and bioprocesses for wastewater treatment and biodegradable polymer production. The volume also explores future trends, including integrating AI and ML tools for optimizing halophile-based biotechnologies. Contributed by leading experts, this multi-themed volume is a comprehensive resource for environmental microbiology and extremophile biotechnology researchers.

Sunil Kumar Khare is Director of IISER Kolkata and former Dean (R&D) and Chair Professor at IIT Delhi. His research focuses on extremophiles, extremozymes, and biocatalysis for sustainable bioprocesses. He has published over 230 papers, holds patents with h-index 54, and has deposited novel halophiles. A fellow of FRSC, FNAAS, FBRS, and FAMSI, he serves as Associate Editor for reputed journals including 3 Biotech and BMC Biotechnology and is Vice President of BRSI and President-Elect of the Association of Microbiologists of India.

Ram Karan is Associate Professor of Microbiology at the University of Delhi South Campus. He received his Ph.D. from IIT Delhi and has held research positions in the USA and Saudi Arabia, including at the University of Maryland, USUHS, and KAUST. His research focuses on extremophiles, extremozymes, and microbial biotechnology with applications in bioenergy, bioremediation, and sustainable industries. He is a recipient of several international awards and serves on the editorial boards of reputed journals.

Rajeshwari Sinha received Ph.D. from IIT Delhi in 2015, where her work focused on halophilic bacterial toxicity and biocatalysis aspects of nanoparticles. She has since been working at the science-policy interface in the health space. As an independent researcher, she uses scientific training to synthesize knowledge and develop solutions on issues impacting human health. She has published her work in reputed journals, and also writes in media platforms. Dr. Sinha is also an alumna of IIM Calcutta.

R. Hemamalini is a Life Sciences researcher with a focus on extremophiles and their potential in addressing environmental challenges. She actively contributes to academic and public science platforms through journal articles, book chapters, and popular science writing. Her work emphasizes research outreach, science communication, and technology commercialization. Committed to bridging science and society, she strives to make research accessible, relevant, and impactful across disciplines and for diverse communities.