Cyanobacteria Biorefinery — Production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) with Synechocystis salina and utilisation of residual biomass

Cyanobacterial Proteomics: Diversity and Dynamics

Cyanobacteria (oxygenic photoautrophs) comprise a diverse group holding significance both environmentally and for biotechnological applications. The utilization of proteomic techniques has significantly influenced investigations concerning cyanobacteria. Application of proteomics allows for large-scale analysis of protein expression and function within cyanobacterial systems. The cyanobacterial proteome exhibits tremendous functional, spatial, and temporal diversity regulated by multiple factors that continuously modify protein abundance, post-translational modifications, interactions, localization, and activity to meet the dynamic needs of these tiny blue greens. Modern mass spectrometry-based proteomics techniques enable system-wide examination of proteome complexity through global identification and high-throughput quantification of proteins. These powerful approaches have revolutionized our understanding of proteome dynamics and promise to provide novel insights into integrated cellular behavior at an unprecedented scale. In this Review, we present modern methods and cutting-edge technologies employed for unraveling the spatiotemporal diversity and dynamics of cyanobacterial proteomics with a specific focus on the methods used to analyze post-translational modifications (PTMs) and examples of dynamic changes in the cyanobacterial proteome investigated by proteomic approaches.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates production in biorefineries: A review on current status, challenges and opportunities

The need for a sustainable and circular bioeconomy model is imperative due to petroleum non-renewability, scarcity and environmental impacts. Biorefineries systems explore biomass to its maximum, being an important pillar for the development of circular bioeconomy. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) can take advantage of biorefineries, as they can be produced using renewable feedstocks, and are potential substitutes for petrochemical plastics. The present work aims to evaluate the current status of the industrial development of PHAs production in biorefineries and PHAs contributions to the bioeconomy, along with future development points. Advancements are noticed when PHA production is coupled in wastewater treatment systems, when residues are used as substrate, and also when analytical methodologies are applied to evaluate the production process, such as the Life Cycle and Techno-Economic Analysis. For the commercial success of PHAs, it is established the need for dedicated investment and policies, in addition to proper collaboration of different society actors.

Bioprospecting for industrially relevant exopolysaccharide-producing cyanobacteria under Portuguese simulated climate

Cyanobacterial exopolysaccharides (EPS) are potential candidates for the production of sustainable biopolymers. Although the bioactive and physicochemical properties of cyanobacterial-based EPS are attractive, their commercial exploitation is limited by the high production costs. Bioprospecting and characterizing novel EPS-producing strains for industrially relevant conditions is key to facilitate their implementation in various biotechnological applications and fields. In the present work, we selected twenty-five Portuguese cyanobacterial strains from a diverse taxonomic range (including some genera studied for the first time) to be grown in diel light and temperature, simulating the Portuguese climate conditions, and evaluated their growth performance and proximal composition of macronutrients. Synechocystis and Cyanobium genera, from marine and freshwater origin, were highlighted as fast-growing (0.1-0.2 g L-1 day-1) with distinct biomass composition. Synechocystis sp. LEGE 07367 and Chroococcales cyanobacterium LEGE 19970, showed a production of 0.3 and 0.4 g L-1 of released polysaccharides (RPS). These were found to be glucan-based polymers with high molecular weight and a low number of monosaccharides than usually reported for cyanobacterial EPS. In addition, the absence of known cyanotoxins in these two RPS producers was also confirmed. This work provides the initial steps for the development of cyanobacterial EPS bioprocesses under the Portuguese climate.

Identification of Cell-Attachment Factors Derived from Green Algal Cells Disrupted by Sonication in Fabrication of Cell Plastics

Cell plastics which are composed of unicellular green algal cells have been proposed in previous studies. While unicellular green algae can be freely arranged using fabrication processes, a matrix is required to attach the cells together. To date, although the cell contents collected from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii show the possibility of attaching cells, but it is unclear which components can be considered attachment factors. Therefore, in this study, C. reinhardtii cells were disrupted with sonication, and the components were separated and purified with hexane. The cell plastics with only 0.5 wt% of intermediate showed similar mechanical properties to those with 17 wt% and 25 wt% of cell components that were untreated with hexane, meaning that the purified intermediates could function as matrices. The purified intermediate was composed of approximately 60 wt% of protein as the main component, and proteomic analysis was performed to survey the main proteins that remained after hexane treatment. The protein compositions of the cell content and purified intermediate were compared via proteomic analysis, revealing that the existing ratios of 532 proteins were increased in the purified intermediate rather than in the cell content. In particular, the outer structure of each of the 49 proteins-the intensity of which was increased by over 10 times-had characteristically random coil conformations, containing ratios of proline and alanine. The information could suggest a matrix of cell plastics, inspiring the possibility to endow the cell plastics with more properties and functions.

Comparative assessment of environmental impacts of 1st generation (corn feedstock) and 3rd generation (carbon dioxide feedstock) PHA production pathways using life cycle assessment

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are bio-based and biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastic types and have the potential to reduce the environmental impacts along the life cycle. In comparison to already established production routes for PHA (heterotrophic production) based on renewable feedstock like glucose (first generation feedstock), novel production routes, such as the photoautotrophic production of PHA based on CO₂ as feedstock (third generation feedstock) could offer new perspectives with regard to the reduction in the environmental impacts. To quantify the environmental impacts of PHA produced via photoautotrophic and heterotrophic production pathways, life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology based on ISO 14040/44 was applied, thus conducting a first of its kind comparative study for PHA based on third generation feedstock. The results show that the photoautotrophic production of PHA has advantages in comparison to heterotrophic PHA based on glucose originating from corn as feedstock in all the assessed environmental impact categories, thus showing the environmental potential of novel production routes for bioplastics. Additionally, the results of the LCA show that the chloroform-based extraction method, commonly used in the downstream processes of both the technologies, has a significant contribution of environmental impacts in the production of PHA. Therefore, the reduction of chloroform loss during the extraction process can reduce its environmental impact. Our results indicate that PHA production from CO₂ using the photoautotrophic production route is a promising technology with regard to the environmental impacts when compared to the heterotrophic production based on glucose feedstock.

Production of phycobiliproteins, bioplastics and lipids by the cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp. treating secondary effluent in a biorefinery approach

Cyanobacteria have been identified as promising organisms to reuse nutrients from waste effluents and produce valuable compounds such as lipids, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and pigments. However, almost all studies on cyanobacterial biorefineries have been performed under lab scale and short cultivation periods. The present study evaluates the cultivation of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. in a pilot scale 30 L semi-continuous photobioreactor fed with secondary effluent for a period of 120 days to produce phycobiliproteins, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and lipids. To this end, the harvested biomass from the semi-continuous photobioreactor was transferred into 5 L vertical column batch photobioreactors to perform PHB and lipid accumulation under nutrient starvation. Three hydraulic retention times (HRT) (6, 8 and 10 days) were tested in the semi-continuous photobioreactor to evaluate its influence on biomass growth and microbial community. A maximum biomass concentration of 1.413 g L^-1 and maximum productivity of 173 mg L^-1 d^-1 was reached under HRT of 8 days. Microscopy analysis revealed a shift from Synechocystis sp. to Leptolyngbya sp. and green algae when HRT of 6 days was used. Continuous, stable production of phycobiliproteins in the semi-continuous photobioreactor was obtained, reaching a maximum content of 7.4%_dcw in the biomass. In the batch photobioreactors a PHB content of 4.8%_dcw was reached under 7 days of nitrogen and phosphorus starvation, while a lipids content of 44.7%_dcw was achieved under 30 days of nitrogen starvation. PHB and lipids production was strongly dependent on the amount of nutrients withdrawn from the grow phase. In the case of lipids, their production was stimulated when there was only phosphorus depletion. While Nitrogen and phosphorus limitation was needed to enhance the PHB production. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the feasibility of cultivating cyanobacteria in treated wastewater to produce bio-based valuable compounds within a circular bioeconomy approach.

Cyanobacteria as a Promising Alternative for Sustainable Environment: Synthesis of Biofuel and Biodegradable Plastics

With the aim to alleviate the increasing plastic burden and carbon footprint on Earth, the role of certain microbes that are capable of capturing and sequestering excess carbon dioxide (CO2) generated by various anthropogenic means was studied. Cyanobacteria, which are photosynthetic prokaryotes, are promising alternative for carbon sequestration as well as biofuel and bioplastic production because of their minimal growth requirements, higher efficiency of photosynthesis and growth rates, presence of considerable amounts of lipids in thylakoid membranes, and cosmopolitan nature. These microbes could prove beneficial to future generations in achieving sustainable environmental goals. Their role in the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as a source of intracellular energy and carbon sink is being utilized for bioplastic production. PHAs have emerged as well-suited alternatives for conventional plastics and are a parallel competitor to petrochemical-based plastics. Although a lot of studies have been conducted where plants and crops are used as sources of energy and bioplastics, cyanobacteria have been reported to have a more efficient photosynthetic process strongly responsible for increased production with limited land input along with an acceptable cost. The biodiesel production from cyanobacteria is an unconventional choice for a sustainable future as it curtails toxic sulfur release and checks the addition of aromatic hydrocarbons having efficient oxygen content, with promising combustion potential, thus making them a better choice. Here, we aim at reporting the application of cyanobacteria for biofuel production and their competent biotechnological potential, along with achievements and constraints in its pathway toward commercial benefits. This review article also highlights the role of various cyanobacterial species that are a source of green and clean energy along with their high potential in the production of biodegradable plastics.

PHB Producing Cyanobacteria Found in the Neighborhood-Their Isolation, Purification and Performance Testing

Cyanobacteria are a large group of prokaryotic microalgae that are able to grow photo-autotrophically by utilizing sunlight and by assimilating carbon dioxide to build new biomass. One of the most interesting among many cyanobacteria cell components is the storage biopolymer polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a member of the group of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). Cyanobacteria occur in almost all habitats, ranging from freshwater to saltwater, freely drifting or adhered to solid surfaces or growing in the porewater of soil, they appear in meltwater of glaciers as well as in hot springs and can handle even high salinities and nutrient imbalances. The broad range of habitat conditions makes them interesting for biotechnological production in facilities located in such climate zones with the expectation of using the best adapted organisms in low-tech bioreactors instead of using "universal" strains, which require high technical effort to adapt the production conditions to the organism's need. These were the prerequisites for why and how we searched for locally adapted cyanobacteria in different habitats. Our manuscript provides insight to the sites we sampled, how we isolated and enriched, identified (morphology, 16S rDNA), tested (growth, PHB accumulation) and purified (physical and biochemical purification methods) promising PHB-producing cyanobacteria that can be used as robust production strains. Finally, we provide a guideline about how we managed to find potential production strains and prepared others for basic metabolism studies.

Control of D-lactic acid content in P(LA-3HB) copolymer in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae using a synthetic gene expression system

The fully biobased polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers provide interesting alternatives for petrochemical derived plastic materials. The mechanical properties of some PHAs, including the common poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), are limited, but tunable by addition of other monomers into the polymer chain. In this study we present a precise synthetic biology method to adjust lactate monomer fraction of a polymer by controlling the monomer formation in vivo at gene expression level, independent of cultivation conditions. We used the modified doxycycline-based Tet-On approach to adjust the expression of the stereospecific D-lactate dehydrogenase gene (ldhA) from Leuconostoc mesenteroides to control D-lactic acid formation in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The synthetic Tet-On transcription factor with a VP16 activation domain was continuously expressed and its binding to a synthetic promoter with eight transcription factor specific binding sites upstream of the ldhA gene was controlled with the doxycycline concentration in the media. The increase in doxycycline concentration correlated positively with ldhA expression, D-lactic acid production, poly(D-lactic acid) (PDLA) accumulation in vivo, and D-lactic acid content in the poly(D-lactate-co-3-hydroxybutyrate) P(LA-3HB) copolymer. We demonstrated that the D-lactic acid content of the P(LA-3HB) copolymer can be adjusted linearly from 6 mol% to 93 mol% in vivo in S. cerevisiae. These results highlight the power of controlling gene expression and monomer formation in the tuning of the polymer composition. In addition, we obtained 5.6% PDLA and 19% P(LA-3HB) of the cell dry weight (CDW), which are over two- and five-fold higher accumulation levels, respectively, than reported in the previous studies with yeast. We also compared two engineered PHA synthases and discovered that in S. cerevisiae the PHA synthase PhaC1437_Ps6-19 produced P(LA-3HB) copolymers with lower D-lactic acid content, but with higher molecular weight, in comparison to the PHA synthase PhaC1Pre.

•

P(LA-3HB) monomer structure was adjusted with controlled gene expression.

•

Expression of D-lactate dehydrogenase (ldhA) was controlled with Tet-On approach.

•

Lactic acid content in copolymer P(LA-3HB) was adjusted from 6 mol% up to 93 mol%.

•

5.6% PDLA and 19% P(LA-3HB) of cell dry weight (CDW) were obtained in S. cerevisiae.

•

PhaC1437_Ps6-19 P(LA-3HB) had lower D-lactic acid % than PhaC1Pre P(LA-3HB).

Cyanobacterial biorefinery: Towards economic feasibility through the maximum valorization of biomass

Cyanobacteria are well known for their plethora of applications in the fields of food industry, pharmaceuticals and bioenergy. Their simple growth requirements, remarkable growth rate and the ability to produce a wide range of bio-active compounds enable them to act as an efficient biorefinery for the production of valuable metabolites. Most of the cyanobacteria based biorefineries are targeting single products and thus fails to meet the efficient valorization of biomass. On the other hand, multiple products recovering cyanobacterial biorefineries can efficiently valorize the biomass with minimum to zero waste generation. But there are plenty of bottlenecks and challenges allied with cyanobacterial biorefineries. Most of them are being associated with the production processes and downstream strategies, which are difficult to manage economically. There is a need to propose new solutions to eliminate these tailbacks so on to elevate the cyanobacterial biorefinery to be an economically feasible, minimum waste generating multiproduct biorefinery. Cost-effective approaches implemented from production to downstream processing without affecting the quality of products will be beneficial for attaining economic viability. The integrated approaches in cultivation systems as well as downstream processing, by simplifying individual processes to unit operation systems can obviously increase the economic feasibility to a certain extent. Low cost approaches for biomass production, multiparameter optimization and successive sequential retrieval of multiple value-added products according to their high to low market value from a biorefinery is possible. The nanotechnological approaches in cyanobacterial biorefineries make it one step closer to the goal. The current review gives an overview of strategies used for constructing self-sustainable- economically feasible- minimum waste generating; multiple products based cyanobacterial biorefineries by the efficient valorization of biomass. Also the possibility of uplifting new cyanobacterial strains for biorefineries is discussed.

Cell Retention as a Viable Strategy for PHA Production from Diluted VFAs with Bacillus megaterium

The production of biodegradable and biocompatible materials such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from waste-derived volatile fatty acids (VFAs) is a promising approach towards implementing a circular bioeconomy. However, VFA solutions obtained via acidification of organic wastes are usually too diluted for direct use in standard batch or fed-batch processes. To overcome these constraints, this study introduces a cell recycle fed-batch system using Bacillus megaterium uyuni S29 for poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) production from acetic acid. The concentrations of dry cell weight (DCW), P3HB, acetate, as well as nitrogen as the limiting substrate component, were monitored during the process. The produced polymer was characterized in terms of molecular weight and thermal properties after extraction with hypochlorite. The results show that an indirect pH-stat feeding regime successfully kept the strain fed without prompting inhibition, resulting in a dry cell weight concentration of up to 19.05 g/L containing 70.21% PHA. After appropriate adaptations the presented process could contribute to an efficient and sustainable production of biopolymers.

Algae biorefinery: a promising approach to promote microalgae industry and waste utilization

Microalgae have a number of intriguing characteristics that make them a viable raw material aimed at usage in a variety of applications when refined using a bio-refining process. They offer unique capabilities that allow them to be used in biotechnology-related applications. As a result, this review explores how to increase the extent to which microalgae may be integrated with various additional biorefinery uses in order to improve their maintainability. In this study, the use of microalgae as potential animal feed, manure, medicinal, cosmeceutical, ecological, and other biotechnological uses is examined in its entirety. It also includes information on the boundaries, openings, and improvements of microalgae and the possibilities of increasing the range of microalgae through techno-economic analysis. According to the findings of this review, financing supported research and shifting the focus of microalgal investigations from biofuels production to biorefinery co-products can help guarantee that they remain a viable resource. Furthermore, innovation collaboration is unavoidable if one wishes to avoid the high cost of microalgae biomass handling. This review is expected to be useful in identifying the possible role of microalgae in biorefinery applications in the future.

Production of D-lactic acid containing polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) provide biodegradable and bio-based alternatives to conventional plastics. Incorporation of 2-hydroxy acid monomers into polymer, in addition to 3-hydroxy acids, offers possibility to tailor the polymer properties. In this study, poly(D-lactic acid) (PDLA) and copolymer P(LA-3HB) were produced and characterized for the first time in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Expression of engineered PHA synthase PhaC1437_Ps6–19, propionyl-CoA transferase Pct540Cp, acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase PhaA, and acetoacetyl-CoA reductase PhaB1 resulted in accumulation of 3.6% P(LA-3HB) and expression of engineered enzymes PhaC1Pre and PctMe resulted in accumulation of 0.73% PDLA of the cell dry weight (CDW). According to NMR, P(LA-3HB) contained D-lactic acid repeating sequences. For reference, expression of PhaA, PhaB1, and PHA synthase PhaC1 resulted in accumulation 11% poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) of the CDW. Weight average molecular weights of these polymers were comparable to similar polymers produced by bacterial strains, 24.6, 6.3, and 1 130 kDa for P(LA-3HB), PDLA, and PHB, respectively. The results suggest that yeast, as a robust and acid tolerant industrial production organism, could be suitable for production of 2-hydroxy acid containing PHAs from sugars or from 2-hydroxy acid containing raw materials. Moreover, the wide substrate specificity of PHA synthase enzymes employed increases the possibilities for modifying copolymer properties in yeast in the future.

Digestate as Sustainable Nutrient Source for Microalgae—Challenges and Prospects

The interest in microalgae products has been increasing, and therefore the cultivation industry is growing steadily. To reduce the environmental impact and production costs arising from nutrients, research needs to find alternatives to the currently used artificial nutrients. Microalgae cultivation in anaerobic effluents (more specifically, digestate) represents a promising strategy for increasing sustainability and obtaining valuable products. However, digestate must be processed prior to its use as nutrient source. Depending on its composition, different methods are suitable for removing solids (e.g., centrifugation) and adjusting nutrient concentrations and ratios (e.g., dilution, ammonia stripping). Moreover, the resulting cultivation medium must be light-permeable. Various studies show that growth rates comparable to those in artificial media can be achieved when proper digestate treatment is used. The necessary steps for obtaining a suitable cultivation medium also depend on the microalgae species to be cultivated. Concerning the application of the biomass, legal aspects and impurities originating from digestate must be considered. Furthermore, microalgae species and their application fields are essential criteria when selecting downstream processing methods (harvest, disintegration, dehydration, product purification). Microalgae grown on digestate can be used to produce various products (e.g., bioenergy, animal feed, bioplastics, and biofertilizers). This review gives insight into the origin and composition of digestate, processing options to meet requirements for microalgae cultivation and challenges regarding downstream processing and products.

Cyanobacterial Polyhydroxyalkanoates: A Sustainable Alternative in Circular Economy

Conventional petrochemical plastics have become a serious environmental problem. Its unbridled use, especially in non-durable goods, has generated an accumulation of waste that is difficult to measure, threatening aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The replacement of these plastics with cleaner alternatives, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), can only be achieved by cost reductions in the production of microbial bioplastics, in order to compete with the very low costs of fossil fuel plastics. The biggest costs are carbon sources and nutrients, which can be appeased with the use of photosynthetic organisms, such as cyanobacteria, that have a minimum requirement for nutrients, and also using agro-industrial waste, such as the livestock industry, which in turn benefits from the by-products of PHA biotechnological production, for example pigments and nutrients. Circular economy can help solve the current problems in the search for a sustainable production of bioplastic: reducing production costs, reusing waste, mitigating CO2, promoting bioremediation and making better use of cyanobacteria metabolites in different industries.

Biotechnological Production of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-4-Hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyvalerate) Terpolymer by Cupriavidus sp. DSM 19379

The terpolymer of 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB), 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV), and 4-hydroxybutyrate (4HB) was produced employing Cupriavidus sp. DSM 19379. Growth in the presence of γ-butyrolactone, ε-caprolactone, 1,4-butanediol, and 1,6-hexanediol resulted in the synthesis of a polymer consisting of 3HB and 4HB monomers. Single and two-stage terpolymer production strategies were utilized to incorporate the 3HV subunit into the polymer structure. At the single-stage cultivation mode, γ-butyrolactone or 1,4-butanediol served as the primary substrate and propionic and valeric acid as the precursor of 3HV. In the two-stage production, glycerol was used in the growth phase, and precursors for the formation of the terpolymer in combination with the nitrogen limitation in the medium were used in the second phase. The aim of this work was to maximize the Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) yields with a high proportion of 3HV and 4HB using different culture strategies. The obtained polymers contained 0–29 mol% of 3HV and 16–32 mol% of 4HB. Selected polymers were subjected to a material properties analysis such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry, and size exclusion chromatography coupled with multi angle light scattering (SEC-MALS) for determination of the molecular weight. The number of polymers in the biomass, as well as the monomer composition of the polymer were determined by gas chromatography.

Microalgae as source of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) - A review

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are biopolymers synthesized by different microorganisms and considered substitute powers for petroleum-based plastics because they have similar mechanical properties as synthetic polymers, can be processed in a similar way and are fully biodegradable. Currently commercial PHAs are produced in fermenters using bacteria and large amounts of organic carbon sources and salts in the culture media, accounting for approximately 50% of the total production costs. A greater commercial application of the PHA is limited to a decrease in the cost of production. Several studies suggest that microalgae are a type of microorganisms that can be used to obtain PHAs at a lower cost because they have minimum nutrient requirements for growth and are photoautotrophic in nature, i.e. they use light and CO₂ as their main sources of energy. Thus, this work aims to provide a review on the production of PHAs of different microalgae, focusing on the properties and composition of biopolymers, verifying the potential of using these bioplastics instead of petroleum based plastics. Studies of stimulation PHA synthesis by microalgae are still considered incipient. Still, it is clear that microalgae have the potential to produce biopolymers with lower cost and can play a vital role in the environment.

Green Bioplastics as Part of a Circular Bioeconomy

The rapid accumulation of plastic waste is driving international demand for renewable plastics with superior qualities (e.g., full biodegradability to CO₂ without harmful byproducts), as part of an expanding circular bioeconomy. Higher plants, microalgae, and cyanobacteria can drive solar-driven processes for the production of feedstocks that can be used to produce a wide variety of biodegradable plastics, as well as bioplastic-based infrastructure that can act as a long-term carbon sink. The plastic types produced, their chemical synthesis, scaled-up biorefinery concepts (e.g., plant-based methane-to-bioplastic production and co-product streams), bioplastic properties, and uses are summarized, together with the current regulatory framework and the key barriers and opportunities.

Cyanobacterial pigments: Perspectives and biotechnological approaches

Cyanobacteria are the oxygenic photosynthesis performing prokaryotes and show a connecting link between plastids of eukaryotic autotrophs and prokaryotes. A variety of pigments, like chlorophyll, carotenoids and phycobiliproteins which exhibit different colors are present in cyanobacteria. Increasing consciousness about the harmful effects of synthetic or chemical dyes encouraged people to give more preference towards the usage of natural products, such as plant or microbial-derived colors in food and cosmetics. That is why cyanobacteria are exploited as a source of natural colors and have high commercial value in many industries. This review mainly focuses on different cyanobacterial pigments, their applications and modern biotechnological approaches such as genetic engineering, systems biology to enhance the production of biopigments for their potential use in pharmaceuticals, food, research, and cosmetics industries.