In: Handbook of Carbohydrate Polymers… ISBN: 978-1-60876-367-2 Editor: Ryouichi Ito and Youta Matsuo, pp. 605-619 © 2010 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. Chapter 19 EXTREMOPHILES AS SOURCES OF EXOPOLYSACCHARIDES Hande Kazak 1 , Ebru Toksoy Öner 1,* 1 Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, TURKEY. and Robert F. H. Dekker 2 2 Biorefining Research Initiative, Lakehead University, Thunder bay, Ontario, CANADA, P7B 5E1. ABSTRACT Extreme environments, generally characterized by atypical temperatures, pH, pressure, salinity, toxicity and radiation levels, are inhabited by various microorganisms specifically adapted to these particular conditions. These microorganisms, called extremophiles, are of significant biotechnological importance as their enzymes (extremozymes) and biopolymers possess unique properties that offer insights into their biology and evolution. The enthusiastic search for novel extremophiles has largely been stimulated by the uniqueness of their survival mechanisms. This uniqueness can be transformed into valuable applications ranging from wastewater treatment to the diagnosis of infectious and genetic diseases. One adaptation strategy of particular importance to extremophiles is the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) that envelop the cell as a barrier protecting them against environmental extremes such as desiccation, temperature, pressure, salinity, acidity, heavy metals, and radiation. Due to their many interesting physicochemical and rheological properties, these biopolymers possess novel functionality that is generally superior to petrochemical- derived polymers in aspects that embrace biodegradability, and environmental and human compatibility. Consequently, biopolymers of extremophiles are widely used in foods, cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, textiles, detergents, adhesives, oil-recovery from wells, brewing and waste treatment processes. In this chapter, we present a brief overview of life under extreme environmental conditions. This is followed by a discussion of extremophilic microorganisms and their adaptation mechanisms, and * Corresponding author: Marmara University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Goztepe 34722 Istanbul, Turkey, E-mail: ebru.toksoy@marmara.edu.tr, Tel: +90 216 348 0292 ext. 726, Fax: +90 216 348 0293.