From cyanochemicals to cyanofactories: a review and perspective

Engineering cyanobacteria for production of chemicals from solar energy, CO2 and water is a potential approach to address global energy and environment issues such as greenhouse effect. To date, more than 20 chemicals have been synthesized by engineered cyanobacteria using CO2 as raw materials, and these studies have been well reviewed. However, unlike heterotrophic microorganisms, the low CO2 fixation rate makes it a long way to go from cyanochemicals to cyanofactories. Here we review recent progresses on improvement of carbon fixation and redistribution of intercellular carbon flux, and discuss the challenges for developing cyanofactories in the future.