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Prospects for viruses infecting eukaryotic microalgae in biotechnology
Sarah D'Adamo1, Richard Kormelink2, Dirk Martens1
1Wageningen University and Research (WUR), Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Bioprocess Engineering chair group and AlgaePARC, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, Netherlands.
Biotechnology Advances
|June 28, 2021
Summary
Viruses infecting microalgae are crucial for evolution and ecology. Research into these viruses is expanding, revealing their potential for microalgae biotechnology and sustainable production.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Marine Ecology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Viruses are significant drivers of evolution, influencing host fitness, population dynamics, and community structures.
- Microalgae biotechnology utilizes photosynthetic microorganisms for sustainable production of food, fuel, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
- Viruses infecting microalgae are increasingly studied in marine and aquatic environments, with 63 species isolated to date.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on viruses infecting eukaryotic microalgae.
- To highlight the ecological and evolutionary significance of these viruses.
- To explore their potential biotechnological applications in microalgae cell factories.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on microalgal viruses.
- Analysis of ecological and evolutionary impacts of viral infections.
- Assessment of biotechnological potential.
Main Results:
- Viruses play a key role in shaping marine ecosystems and driving evolutionary processes.
- The study of microalgal viruses has advanced significantly in the last four decades.
- Numerous viruses infecting eukaryotic microalgae have been identified and cultured.
Conclusions:
- Understanding microalgal viruses is essential for marine ecology and evolutionary biology.
- These viruses offer promising avenues for microalgae-based biotechnology and sustainable production.
- Future research should integrate ecological, evolutionary, and biotechnological perspectives.
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