Progress in Methylxanthine Biosynthesis: Insights into Pathways and Engineering Strategies

Methylxanthines are ubiquitous purine alkaloids in nature and have rich biological activities and functions. Today, the demand for methylxanthine is increasing but its production is low. This issue prevents its widespread use in many industrial fields, such as pharmaceuticals, food manufacturing, and chemical engineering. To address these issues, this review provides a comprehensive and systematic exploration of methylxanthines, delving into their biological structures, detailed biosynthetic pathways, and the latest research trends. These findings serve as valuable references for researchers, fostering advancements in the optimization of synthesis processes for methylxanthines and their derivatives and promoting their application across diverse industrial fields, such as medicine, food, and chemical engineering. By bridging fundamental research and practical applications, this work aims to advance the understanding of methylxanthine compounds, enhance their production efficiency, and contribute to healthcare and technological progress.