Biosynthesis and biotechnological production of flavanones: current state and perspectives

Polyphenols produced in a wide variety of flowering and fruit-bearing plants have the potential to be valuable fine chemicals for the treatment of an assortment of human maladies. One of the major constituents within this chemical class are flavonoids, among which flavanones, as the precursor to all flavonoid structures, are the most prevalent. We review the current status of flavanone production technology using microorganisms, with focus on heterologous protein expression. Such processes appear as attractive production alternatives for commercial synthesis of these high-value chemicals as traditional chemical, and plant cell cultures have significant drawbacks. Other issues of importance, including fermentation configurations and economics, are also considered.