Biotechnological Potentials of Anoxygenic Phototrophic Bacteria. I. Production of Single-Cell Protein, Vitamins, Ubiquinones, Hormones, and Enzymes and Use in Waste Treatment

Abstract

Biotechnology, which is being studied globally for possible practical exploitation, can provide economical and efficient solutions for the problems addressed in detail. The advantages of anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria include metabolic versatility which makes it possible to grow them by various growth modes including photo- and chemoautotrophy, heterotrophy, and fermentation, coupled to high growth rates and easy manipulation. The chapter explores that, as light is the source of energy, these bacteria can prove highly beneficial for industrial applications similar to those for which microalgae are already being used in the field of biotechnology and microbiology. In addition, the chapter also discusses the use in waste treatments. Apart from those uses discussed in this chapter, anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria can be used in the production of biopolyesters, fuel (hydrogen), insecticides, along with their potential use as biofertilizers. © 1995 Academic Press, Inc.