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Exploiting unconventional prokaryotic hosts for industrial biotechnology
Bastian Blombach1, Alexander Grünberger2, Florian Centler3
1Microbial Biotechnology, Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Technical University of Munich, Straubing, Germany; SynBiofoundry@TUM, Technical University of Munich, Straubing, Germany.
Trends in Biotechnology
|September 6, 2021
Summary
New microbial systems offer cost-efficient alternatives to fossil fuels through advanced genetic engineering. Researchers are exploring these "prokaryotic newcomers" for industrial biotechnology applications.
Area of Science:
- Industrial Biotechnology
- Synthetic Biology
- Microbial Engineering
Background:
- Developing cost-efficient biotechnological processes is crucial for replacing fossil-based production.
- Genetic engineering advances enable microbial metabolism tailoring for bioconversions.
- Improving microbial intrinsic properties (tolerance, growth, substrate consumption) remains challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the metabolic and cellular capabilities of novel microbial hosts.
- To discuss the potential and drawbacks of these unconventional hosts for industrial applications.
- To explore the use of synthetic biology tools in nonmodel organisms.
Main Methods:
- Review of metabolic and cellular capabilities of selected prokaryotic microorganisms.
- Analysis of synthetic biology tool transferability to nonmodel organisms.
- Evaluation of host properties for industrial bioconversion suitability.
Main Results:
- Novel microbial systems possess sophisticated properties making them promising industrial hosts.
- Synthetic biology tools are increasingly applicable to nonmodel organisms.
- Challenges remain in optimizing intrinsic microbial properties for industrial scale.
Conclusions:
- Unconventional microbial hosts offer significant potential for the bio-based industry.
- Further research is needed to overcome limitations in host performance and application.
- Exploiting these "prokaryotic newcomers" is key to advancing sustainable industrial processes.
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