Halorubrum kocurii

Halorubrum kocurii is a halophilic archaean within the genus Halorubrum, comprising 37 species that thrive in high-salinity environments such as solar salterns. It is rod-shaped, Gram-negative, and non-motile, lacking flagella or cilia. This organism flourishes under conditions of high pH, elevated salt concentrations, and moderate temperatures.

Discovered by M.C. Gutierrez in 2003 from Lake Bagaejinnor, China, H. kocurii was isolated using serial dilution and various media to obtain strain BG-1. Characterization followed guidelines set by Oren et al. in 1997.

Taxonomically, it belongs to the domain Archaea, kingdom Euryarchaeota, class Halobacteria, order Halobacteriales, family Halobacteriaceae, and genus Halorubrum. Although its genome is not fully sequenced, high similarity exists with related species, and its high GC content (69.4%) aids survival in hypersaline environments.

Physiologically, H. kocurii measures 2–5 μm in length and 0.9–1.1 μm in width. It requires a pH range of 6.0–9.0, NaCl concentrations of 2.5–3.4 M, and temperatures between 22–55 °C. Adaptation involves polar lipids in its membrane for heat protection. Aerobic respiration is employed using oxygen to produce ATP, with enzymes like catalase and urease facilitating survival.

Metabolically, it is a chemoorganotroph utilizing organic compounds (sugars, amino acids) and oxygen. It breaks down urea via urease and hydrogen peroxide through catalase.

Biotechnologically, H. kocurii shows potential in food and pharmaceutical industries for product stabilization, pollutant degradation, and saline agriculture due to its extreme tolerance capabilities.