Post-Doctoral Research at IMHCL
The LABORATORY OF PUBLIC HEALTH ENTOMOLOGY is also leading in the research by providing entire laboratory set-up for post-doctoral research in life sciences. The lab is pioneering in extremophilic research by conducting work on Halophilic microbes of Sambhar salt lake.
Sambhar, the largest inland lake of India, may soon become extinct or shrink to the level where it might lose its Ramsar Site status, as the lake’s 40% area has been included in SEIGE under a proposed solar power project of central government. The proposal is near execution, which will surely damage lake’s unique ecology reducing its international value and threatening its existence. The post-doctoral research therefore entails study of the lake with special emphasis on halophilic bacteria having industrial potential.
Halophiles are unique organisms bestowed with extraordinary adaptation skills. They are equipped with bio-molecules that can withstand stress like extremes of pH, Salt, temperature and radiations. The study carried out here showcases the bacterial strains with extraordinary salt tolerance and industrial potential. Sambhar lake has never been focused for its halophiles rather always been considered as less valuable salt reservoir. Any kind of commercial exploitation will enhance its value what is required for the conservation and sustainable use of the lake.
Significance of Halophilic Microbes
- Potential to survive in Highly saline habitats
- Main part of saline food chains
- Survival at Fresh water to Extreme salinity
- Extra cellular amylase production potential
- α-Amylases- Food, textile, paper and detergent and pharmaceutical industries
- Stable in high Salt and pH
- Pigment production