Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 24, 2026

Molecular Entanglement and Electrospinnability of Biopolymers
Published on: September 3, 2014
Microbial production of cyanophycin: From enzymes to biopolymers
Jikun Du1, Li Li2, Shining Zhou3
1Central Research Laboratory, The Second People's Hospital of Bao'an Shenzhen (Group), Shajing People's Hospital of Bao'an Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518104, China.
Abstract:
Cyanophycin is an attractive biopolymer with chemical and material properties that are suitable for industrial applications in the fields of food, medicine, cosmetics, nutrition, and agriculture. For efficient production of cyanophycin, considerable efforts have been exerted to characterize cyanophycin synthetases (CphAs) and optimize fermentations and downstream processes. In this paper, we review the characteristics of diverse CphAs from cyanobacteria and non-cyanobacteria. Furthermore, strategies for cyanophycin production in microbial strains, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida, Ralstonia eutropha, Rhizopus oryzae, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, heterologously expressing different cphA genes are reviewed. Additionally, chemical and material properties of cyanophycin and its derivatives produced through biological or chemical modifications are reviewed in the context of their industrial applications. Finally, future perspectives on microbial production of cyanophycin are provided to improve its cost-effectiveness.
Related Concept Videos
Enzyme Kinetics
Scientists typically study enzyme kinetics with a fixed amount of enzyme in the controlled environment of a test tube. When more reactant, or substrate, is...
Enzymes
Enzyme deficiencies can often translate into life-threatening diseases. For example, a genetic abnormality resulting in the deficiency of the enzyme G6PD...
Enzyme-linked Receptors
Neurotrophin (NT) receptors are a family of RTKs, including trkA, trkB, and trkC (tropomyosin-related kinase) receptors. TrkA is specific for nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-6, and neurotrophin-7. TrkB binds...
Microbial Morphologies
Microbial Fermentation
Enzyme Inhibition

