Prospects for the Use of Algae and Cyanobacteria from Extreme Habitats of Kamchatka in Biotechnology

Kamchatka is a unique natural laboratory, where the substrate is constantly refreshing under active volcanic conditions. It is believed that the first settlers of the lifeless volcanic deposits are microscopic algae and cyanobacteria, which are able to survive at high and low temperatures, low concentrations of nutrients, sharp fluctuations in the aggregate state of water, and other extreme environmental factors. The main ways photoautotrophs adapt to live in these environments by controlling the structure of the plasma membrane, making protective compounds like polyols, sugars, secondary carotenoids, vitamins, and more, and living with fungi and bacteria in biological crusts. This review indicates the possibility to use the widespread species, which were found on the peninsula: Chlorella vulgaris, Tetradesmus obliquus, Chromochloris zofingiensis, Bracteacoccus minor, B. bullatus, and Chlorogloeopsis fritschii, in biotechnological research. The detailed analysis of the environment and consideration of species-specific demands allow to select suitable strain and an increase in valuable component yield.