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High-Throughput Metabolic Profiling for Model Refinements of Microalgae
Published on: December 4, 2021
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Progress and prospects in metabolic engineering approaches for isoprenoid biosynthesis in microalgae
Sonia Mohamadnia1, Borja Valverde-Pérez2, Omid Tavakoli3
1Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Søltofts Plads 228A, Technical University of Denmark, DTU, 2800, Lyngby, Denmark.
Biotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts
|June 18, 2025
Summary
Microalgae can be engineered to produce valuable isoprenoids, complex compounds with diverse applications. Metabolic engineering and synthetic biology optimize these natural pathways for sustainable, cost-effective biosynthesis.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Metabolic Engineering
- Synthetic Biology
Background:
- Isoprenoids are valuable bio-compounds with applications in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and industry.
- Chemical synthesis of isoprenoids is complex, expensive, and environmentally unfriendly.
- Consumer demand for naturally produced compounds is increasing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in metabolic engineering for isoprenoid biosynthesis in microalgae.
- To discuss the potential of microalgae as production hosts for isoprenoids.
- To explore challenges and future directions in microalgal isoprenoid production.
Main Methods:
- Metabolic engineering strategies including pathway engineering and strain improvement.
- Synthetic biology approaches to optimize isoprenoid biosynthetic pathways.
- Cultivation of microalgae under various conditions to enhance metabolite production.
Main Results:
- Microalgae can be engineered to biosynthesize diverse isoprenoids.
- Metabolic engineering redirects carbon flow towards isoprenoid production.
- Unsuitable cultivation conditions can induce isoprenoid biosynthesis in microalgae.
Conclusions:
- Microalgae offer a sustainable platform for isoprenoid production.
- Metabolic engineering and synthetic biology are key to optimizing microalgal isoprenoid biosynthesis.
- Further research is needed to explore novel isoprenoid compositions and production.
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