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Microbial genetic engineering approach to replace shark livering for squalene.

Alok Patel1, Maurizio Bettiga2, Ulrika Rova1

  • 1Biochemical Process Engineering, Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden.

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Summary

Microbial squalene production offers a sustainable alternative to shark-derived squalene. Genetic engineering can enhance microorganisms to overproduce squalene, mitigating environmental impact.

Keywords:
bacteriagenetic engineeringshark liveringsqualenethraustochytridsyeast

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Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Marine Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Squalene, a compound with human health benefits, is primarily sourced from deep-sea sharks, leading to unsustainable harvesting.
  • Current harvesting practices threaten marine ecosystems due to the high demand for squalene.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore microbial sources as a sustainable alternative for squalene production.
  • To investigate the potential of genetically manipulating microbial biosynthetic pathways for enhanced squalene overproduction.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on squalene biosynthesis in microorganisms.
  • Analysis of genetic engineering strategies for pathway manipulation.

Main Results:

  • Microbial sources can produce up to 30% squalene of dry biomass natively.
  • Genetic manipulation holds potential for significant squalene overproduction in microbial 'cellular factories'.

Conclusions:

  • Microbial squalene production presents a viable and sustainable alternative to shark-derived squalene.
  • Harnessing and enhancing microbial biosynthetic pathways is key to meeting the growing demand for squalene while protecting marine ecosystems.