Harnessing genetic engineering to drive economic bioproduct production in algae

• DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1350722
• Publication Date: 2024-01-29T04:34:11Z
• Authors: Abhishek Gupta; Kalisa Kang; Ruchi Pathania; Lisa Saxton; Barbara Saucedo; Ashleyn Malik; Yasin Torres-Tiji; Crisandra J. Diaz; João Vitor Dutra ...; Stephen P. Mayfield
• Keywords: Adaptability

Our reliance on agriculture for sustenance, healthcare, and resources has been essential since the dawn of civilization. However, traditional agricultural practices are no longer adequate to meet demands a burgeoning population amidst climate-driven challenges. Microalgae emerge as beacon hope, offering sustainable renewable source food, animal feed, energy. Their rapid growth rates, adaptability non-arable land non-potable water, diverse bioproduct range, encompassing biofuels nutraceuticals, position them cornerstone future resource management. Furthermore, microalgae’s ability capture carbon aligns with environmental conservation goals. While microalgae offers significant benefits, obstacles in cost-effective biomass production persist, which curtails broader application. This review examines compared other host platforms, highlighting current innovative approaches aimed at overcoming existing barriers. These include range techniques, from gene editing, synthetic promoters, mutagenesis selective breeding metabolic engineering through transcription factors.