Towards Lipid from Microalgae: Products, Biosynthesis, and Genetic Engineering.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Biochemistry
• Phycology

Background:

• Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms with potential as cell factories for producing valuable compounds.
• Microalgal lipids are versatile organic compounds with applications in food, feed, cosmetics, healthcare, and bioenergy.
• Commercialization of microalgal lipids is driven by their diverse applications and sustainable production potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review commercial lipid products derived from eukaryotic microalgae.
• To update the understanding of lipid synthesis mechanisms in microalgae.
• To summarize recent advancements (last five years) in enhancing microalgal lipids, triglycerides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, pigments, and terpenes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of commercial microalgal lipid products.
• Analysis of lipid biosynthesis pathways in microalgae.
• Compilation of environmental induction and metabolic engineering strategies for lipid enhancement.

Main Results:

• Identification of various commercial lipid products from microalgae.
• Updated insights into microalgal lipid synthesis mechanisms.
• Documented enhancements in lipid content, triglyceride accumulation, PUFAs, pigments, and terpenes through various strategies.

Conclusions:

• Microalgal lipids offer significant commercial potential across multiple industries.
• Environmental and metabolic engineering approaches are effective for optimizing microalgal lipid production.
• Future development requires accurate bioactivity analysis and high-throughput screening for specific lipid-producing microalgae.