Recent advances in microbial synthesis of polyphenols

Polyphenols are plant-derived secondary metabolites known for their antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, with flavonoids being the most structurally diverse and medically relevant subclass. Traditional plant extraction is limited by low abundance and difficulty in separating from analogs. Microbial synthesis has emerged as an alternative method to complement plant extraction. This review summarizes recent advancements in microbe-sourced polyphenols, especially flavonoids and related derivatives. Key strategies, including modular design, CRISPR-based optimization, co-culture, and dynamic regulatory systems, have been employed to enhance microbial factory production efficiency. Emerging artificial intelligence-driven computational modeling and pathway optimization hold significant promise for enhancing polyphenol biosynthesis. Taken together, microbial synthesis offers a scalable and sustainable alternative to plant extraction. The cost-effective production of polyphenols will expand their applications in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and food industry.