Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Author Spotlight: Discovering New Alkaloids in Plants with Advanced Mass Spectrometry Techniques
Published on: March 8, 2024
Sustainable biomanufacturing of alkaloids driven by biotechnology: applications, challenges and perspectives
Hehe He1, Siyu Li2, Xuewei Ning2
1Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Scientific Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China.
Abstract:
Alkaloids play essential roles in nutrition, therapeutics, and various industrial sectors. However, traditional plant-based extraction methods are limited by environmental sensitivity and inconsistent yields, highlighting the need for more sustainable and reliable production alternatives. Microbial cell factories represent a promising platform for the scalable biosynthesis of alkaloids. This review outlines the fundamental principles of alkaloid biosynthesis and demonstrates how engineering strategies can enhance production efficiency. In addition, biotechnological innovations for expanding and diversifying the structural repertoire of microbially derived alkaloids are examined as a means to unlock novel functionalities. Finally, current challenges and future directions in alkaloid biomanufacturing are discussed, offering broader insights into the microbial production of high-value bio-based compounds. These insights reinforce the central role of biotechnology in advancing sustainable alkaloid biomanufacturing and shaping its future applications.
Related Concept Videos
Sustainable Development
Plant Breeding and Biotechnology
Psychodynamic Perspectives on Personality
Psychodynamic theorists argue that unconscious...
Design Example: Sustainability in Concrete Building
There are multiple approaches to achieve sustainability in a commercial concrete building. For instance, construct a concrete parking area under the building, utilizing pervious concrete paver blocks in open areas to facilitate rainwater collection through an underground...
Social Cognitive Perspective on Personality
Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...

