The radiophiles of Deinococcaceae family: Resourceful microbes for innovative biotechnological applications

Extremophiles are nature's tiny warriors as they call inhospitable environments their home. They possess special factor(s) that offer an edge over other life forms susceptible to harsh conditions. One such family of extremophiles under discussion here is Deinococcaceae. The microbes belonging to Deinococcaceae are primarily radiophiles, the world's most radiation resistant bacteria, in addition to having resistance to high temperature, metals, cold etc. in specific species. Gamma rays have always been known to be lethal to living cells as it damages DNA, the blueprint of life. But, Deinococci sustain extremely high doses of gamma radiation, about 3000 times more than the dose humans succumb to. This review brings forth the utility of these special factors of Deinococcaceae for a broad range of biotechnological applications.