Abstract Alkaliphiles are a diverse group of relatively less known microorganisms
living in alkaline environments. To thrive in alkaline environments, alkaliphiles
require special adaptations. This adaptation may have evolved metabolites which
can be useful for biotechnological processes or other applications. In fact, certain
metabolites are found unique to alkaliphiles or are effectively produced by
alkaliphiles. This probably aroused the interest in metabolites of alkaliphiles. During
recent years, many alkaliphilic microbes have been isolated, especially in countries
having alkaline environments, like soda lakes. Even if the number of such isolated alkaliphiles is large, their metabolites have not yet been extensively analyzed and
exploited. This is expected to come in the years ahead. So far, the focus of interests in
metabolites from alkaliphiles falls into categories such as organic acids, ingredients
for foodstuffs and cosmetics, antibiotics, and substances which modify properties
of other materials used in industry. This chapter deals with biotechnologically
important metabolites of alkaliphiles including compatible solutes, biosurfactants,
siderophores, carotenoids, exopolysaccharides, and antimicrobial agents. It also
covers the promising potential of alkaliphiles as sources of bioplastic raw materials.
Moreover, an overview of the patent literature related to alkaliphiles is highlighted.
Exopolysaccharides

Metabolism of Alkaiphiles
Siderophores
Organic acids
Antimicrobials
Bioplastics
Other
Metabolites
Comaptible
Solutes
Biosurfactants
Carotenoids

Graphical Abstract
Keywords Alkaliphilic microbes, Antimicrobial compounds, Bioplastics,
Carotenoids, Compatible solutes, Exopolysaccharides, Metabolites, Patents,