Utilization of gene manipulation system for advancing the biotechnological potential of halophiles: A review

Halophiles are salt-loving microorganisms known to have their natural resistance against media contamination even when cultivated in nonsterile and continuous bioprocess system, thus acting as promising cell factories for Next Generation of Industrial Biotechnology (NGIB). NGIB — a successor to the traditional industrial biotechnology, is a more sustainable and efficient bioprocess technology while saving energy and water in a more convenient way as well as reducing the investment cost and skilled workforce requirement. Numerous studies have achieved intriguing outcomes during synthesis of different metabolite using halophiles such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), ectoine, biosurfactants, and carotenoids. Present-day development in genetic maneuverings have shown optimistic effects on the industrial applications of halophiles. However, viable and competent genetic manipulation system and gene editing tools are critical to accelerate the process of halophile engineering. With the aid of such powerful gene manipulation systems, exclusive microbial chassis are being crafted with desirable features to breed another innovative area of research such as synthetic biology. This review provides an aerial perspective on how the expansion of adaptable gene manipulation toolkits in halophiles are contributing towards biotechnological advancement, and also focusses on their subsequent application for production improvement. This current methodical and comprehensive review will definitely help the scientific fraternity to bridge the gap between challenges and opportunities in halophile engineering.