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Dhokane D, Shaikh A, Yadav A, Giri N, Bandyopadhyay A, Dasgupta S, Bhadra B. CRISPR-based bioengineering in microalgae for production of industrially important biomolecules. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1267826. [PMID: 37965048 PMCID: PMC10641005 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1267826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Microalgae, as photosynthetic organisms, have the potential to produce biomolecules for use in food, feed, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, fuel, and other applications. Faster growth rates and higher protein and lipid content make microalgae a popular chassis for many industrial applications. However, challenges such as low productivity and high production costs have limited their commercialization. To overcome these challenges, bioengineering approaches such as genetic engineering, metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology have been employed to improve the productivity and quality of microalgae-based products. Genetic engineering employing genome editing tools like CRISPR/Cas allows precise and targeted genetic modifications. CRISPR/Cas systems are presently used to modify the genetic makeup of microalgae for enhanced production of specific biomolecules. However, these tools are yet to be explored explicitly in microalgae owing to some limitations. Despite the progress made in CRISPR-based bioengineering approaches, there is still a need for further research to optimize the production of microalgae-based products. This includes improving the efficiency of genome editing tools, understanding the regulatory mechanisms of microalgal metabolism, and optimizing growth conditions and cultivation strategies. Additionally, addressing the ethical, social, and environmental concerns associated with genetic modification of microalgae is crucial for the responsible development and commercialization of microalgae-based products. This review summarizes the advancements of CRISPR-based bioengineering for production of industrially important biomolecules and provides key considerations to use CRISPR/Cas systems in microalgae. The review will help researchers to understand the progress and to initiate genome editing experiments in microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bhaskar Bhadra
- Synthetic Biology Group, Reliance Industries Ltd., Navi Mumbai, India
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Feng S, Xie X, Liu J, Li A, Wang Q, Guo D, Li S, Li Y, Wang Z, Guo T, Zhou J, Tang DYY, Show PL. A potential paradigm in CRISPR/Cas systems delivery: at the crossroad of microalgal gene editing and algal-mediated nanoparticles. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:370. [PMID: 37817254 PMCID: PMC10563294 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02139-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Microalgae as the photosynthetic organisms offer enormous promise in a variety of industries, such as the generation of high-value byproducts, biofuels, pharmaceuticals, environmental remediation, and others. With the rapid advancement of gene editing technology, CRISPR/Cas system has evolved into an effective tool that revolutionised the genetic engineering of microalgae due to its robustness, high target specificity, and programmability. However, due to the lack of robust delivery system, the efficacy of gene editing is significantly impaired, limiting its application in microalgae. Nanomaterials have become a potential delivery platform for CRISPR/Cas systems due to their advantages of precise targeting, high stability, safety, and improved immune system. Notably, algal-mediated nanoparticles (AMNPs), especially the microalgae-derived nanoparticles, are appealing as a sustainable delivery platform because of their biocompatibility and low toxicity in a homologous relationship. In addition, living microalgae demonstrated effective and regulated distribution into specified areas as the biohybrid microrobots. This review extensively summarised the uses of CRISPR/Cas systems in microalgae and the recent developments of nanoparticle-based CRISPR/Cas delivery systems. A systematic description of the properties and uses of AMNPs, microalgae-derived nanoparticles, and microalgae microrobots has also been discussed. Finally, this review highlights the challenges and future research directions for the development of gene-edited microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuying Feng
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China.
| | - Xin Xie
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Junjie Liu
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Aifang Li
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Dandan Guo
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Shuxuan Li
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Yalan Li
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Zilong Wang
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Tao Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China.
| | - Jin Zhou
- Institute for Ocean Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
| | - Doris Ying Ying Tang
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500, Semenyih, Malaysia
| | - Pau Loke Show
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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Gu X, Deng Y, Wang A, Gan Q, Xin Y, Paithoonrangsarid K, Lu Y. Engineering a marine microalga Chlorella sp. as the cell factory. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2023; 16:133. [PMID: 37679828 PMCID: PMC10485975 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-023-02384-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The use of marine microalgae in industrial systems is attractive for converting CO2 into value-added products using saline water and sunlight. The plant nature and demonstrated industrial potential facilitate Chlorella spp. as excellent model organisms for both basic research and commercial application. However, the transformation method has not been developed in marine Chlorella spp., thus genetic engineering is hindered in exploiting the industrial potentialities of these strains. In this study, we provided a transformation protocol for the marine Chlorella strain MEM25, which showed robust characteristics, including high production of proteins and polyunsaturated fatty acids in multiple cultivation systems over various spatial-temporal scales. We showed that transformants could be obtained in a dramatically time-saving manner (comparable to Saccharomyces cerevisiae) with four functional proteins expressed properly. The transgenes are integrated into the genome and can be successfully inherited for more than two years. The development of a marine Chlorella transformation method, in combination with the complete genome, will greatly facilitate more comprehensive mechanism studies and provide possibilities to use this species as chassis for synthetic biology to produce value-added compounds with mutual advantage in neutralization of CO2 in commercial scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinping Gu
- Single-cell BioEngineering Group, State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, School of Marine Life and Aquaculture, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Ying Deng
- Single-cell BioEngineering Group, State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, School of Marine Life and Aquaculture, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Aoqi Wang
- Single-cell BioEngineering Group, State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, School of Marine Life and Aquaculture, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Qinhua Gan
- Single-cell BioEngineering Group, State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, School of Marine Life and Aquaculture, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Yi Xin
- Single-cell BioEngineering Group, State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, School of Marine Life and Aquaculture, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China
| | - Kalyanee Paithoonrangsarid
- Biochemical Engineering and Systems Biology Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency at King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10150, Thailand
| | - Yandu Lu
- Single-cell BioEngineering Group, State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, School of Marine Life and Aquaculture, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China.
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Hydrobiotechnology, Hainan University, Haikou, China.
- Haikou Technology Innovation Center for Research and Utilization of Algal Bioresources, Hainan University, Haikou, China.
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Koh HG, Cho JM, Jeon S, Chang YK, Lee B, Kang NK. Transcriptional insights into Chlorella sp. ABC-001: a comparative study of carbon fixation and lipid synthesis under different CO 2 conditions. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2023; 16:113. [PMID: 37454088 PMCID: PMC10350272 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-023-02358-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microalgae's low tolerance to high CO2 concentrations presents a significant challenge for its industrial application, especially when considering the utilization of industrial exhaust gas streams with high CO2 content-an economically and environmentally attractive option. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the metabolic changes in carbon fixation and lipid accumulation of microalgae under ambient air and high CO2 conditions, deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving these processes, and identify potential target genes for metabolic engineering in microalgae. To accomplish these goals, we conducted a transcriptomic analysis of the high CO2-tolerant strain, Chlorella sp. ABC-001, under two different carbon dioxide levels (ambient air and 10% CO2) and at various growth phases. RESULTS Cells cultivated with 10% CO2 exhibited significantly better growth and lipid accumulation rates, achieving up to 2.5-fold higher cell density and twice the lipid content by day 7. To understand the relationship between CO2 concentrations and phenotypes, transcriptomic analysis was conducted across different CO2 conditions and growth phases. According to the analysis of differentially expressed genes and gene ontology, Chlorella sp. ABC-001 exhibited the development of chloroplast organelles during the early exponential phase under high CO2 conditions, resulting in improved CO2 fixation and enhanced photosynthesis. Cobalamin-independent methionine synthase expression was also significantly elevated during the early growth stage, likely contributing to the methionine supply required for various metabolic activities and active proliferation. Conversely, the cells showed sustained repression of carbonic anhydrase and ferredoxin hydrogenase, involved in the carbon concentrating mechanism, throughout the cultivation period under high CO2 conditions. This study also delved into the transcriptomic profiles in the Calvin cycle, nitrogen reductase, and lipid synthesis. Particularly, Chlorella sp. ABC-001 showed high expression levels of genes involved in lipid synthesis, such as glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and phospholipid-diacylglycerol acyltransferase. These findings suggest potential targets for metabolic engineering aimed at enhancing lipid production in microalgae. CONCLUSIONS We expect that our findings will help understand the carbon concentrating mechanism, photosynthesis, nitrogen assimilation, and lipid accumulation metabolisms of green algae according to CO2 concentrations. This study also provides insights into systems metabolic engineering of microalgae for improved performance in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Gi Koh
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jun Muk Cho
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungjib Jeon
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Keun Chang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Bongsoo Lee
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Mokwon University, 88 Doanbuk-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon, 35349, Republic of Korea.
| | - Nam Kyu Kang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, 17104, Republic of Korea.
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Jeong BR, Jang J, Jin E. Genome engineering via gene editing technologies in microalgae. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 373:128701. [PMID: 36746216 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.128701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas has revolutionized genetic modification with its comparative simplicity and accuracy, and it can be used even at the genomic level. Microalgae are excellent feedstocks for biofuels and nutraceuticals because they contain high levels of fatty acids, carotenoids, and other metabolites; however, genome engineering for microalgae is not yet as developed as for other model organisms. Microalgal engineering at the genetic and metabolic levels is relatively well established, and a few genomic resources are available. Their genomic information was used for a "safe harbor" site for stable transgene expression in microalgae. This review proposes further genome engineering schemes including the construction of sgRNA libraries, pan-genomic and epigenomic resources, and mini-genomes, which can together be developed into synthetic biology for carbon-based engineering in microalgae. Acetyl-CoA is at the center of carbon metabolic pathways and is further reviewed for the production of molecules including terpenoids in microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byeong-Ryool Jeong
- Department of Life Science, Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Junhwan Jang
- Department of Life Science, Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - EonSeon Jin
- Department of Life Science, Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea; Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea.
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Patel VK, Das A, Kumari R, Kajla S. Recent progress and challenges in CRISPR-Cas9 engineered algae and cyanobacteria. ALGAL RES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2023.103068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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Wang Z, Wu C, Jiang P. Cloning and characterization of nitrate reductase gene in kelp Saccharina japonica (Laminariales, Phaeophyta). BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 23:78. [PMID: 36740685 PMCID: PMC9901164 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04064-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brown macroalgae dominate temperate coastal ecosystems, and their productivity is typically limited by nitrate availability. As an economically important kelp, Saccharina japonica is the most productive farmed seaweed and needs to be supplemented with sufficient nitrate throughout the cultivation process. However, molecular characterization of genes involved in nitrogen assimilation has not been conducted in brown macroalgae. RESULTS Here, we described the identification of the nitrate reductase (NR) gene from S. japonica (SjNR). Using two different cloning methods for SjNR, i.e. rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and cDNA cloning alone, a single fragment was obtained respectively. According to results of sequence analysis between these two fragments, the tentative coding sequence in two clones, SjNR-L and SjNR-S, were suggested to represent two transcripts of the single copy SjNR, and the ATG of SjNR-S was located inside the third exon of SjNR-L. In the 5' upstream sequence of each transcript, promoter core elements, response elements, especially multiple N response elements which occurred in microalgal NR, were all predicted. Further sequence analysis revealed that both transcripts encoded all five domains conserved in eukaryotic plant NRs. RT-qPCR results showed that the transcription level of SjNR in juvenile sporophytes could be significantly induced by nitrate and inhibited by ammonium, which was in line with plant NRs. The recombinant SjNR-L and SjNR-S were all proved to have NR activity, suggesting that the single-copy gene SjNR might be regulated on transcription level based on alternative promoters and multiple transcriptional start sites. Moreover, both NADH and NADPH were found to be able to act as electron donors for SjNR alone, which is the first confirmation that brown algal NR has a NAD(P)H-bispecific form. CONCLUSION These results will provide a scientific basis for understanding the N demand of kelp in various stages of cultivation and evaluating the environmental remediation potential of kelp in eutrophic sea areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghua Wang
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chunhui Wu
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Peng Jiang
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China.
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Kuo EY, Yang RY, Chin YY, Chien YL, Chen YC, Wei CY, Kao LJ, Chang YH, Li YJ, Chen TY, Lee TM. Multi-omics approaches and genetic engineering of metabolism for improved biorefinery and wastewater treatment in microalgae. Biotechnol J 2022; 17:e2100603. [PMID: 35467782 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202100603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Microalgae, a group of photosynthetic microorganisms rich in diverse and novel bioactive metabolites, have been explored for the production of biofuels, high value-added compounds as food and feeds, and pharmaceutical chemicals as agents with therapeutic benefits. This article reviews the development of omics resources and genetic engineering techniques including gene transformation methodologies, mutagenesis, and genome-editing tools in microalgae biorefinery and wastewater treatment. The introduction of these enlisted techniques has simplified the understanding of complex metabolic pathways undergoing microalgal cells. The multiomics approach of the integrated omics datasets, big data analysis, and machine learning for the discovery of objective traits and genes responsible for metabolic pathways was reviewed. Recent advances and limitations of multiomics analysis and genetic bioengineering technology to facilitate the improvement of microalgae as the dual role of wastewater treatment and biorefinery feedstock production are discussed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva YuHua Kuo
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan.,Frontier Center for Ocean Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan
| | - Ru-Yin Yang
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan
| | - Yuan Yu Chin
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Lin Chien
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan.,Frontier Center for Ocean Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan
| | - Yu Chu Chen
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yu Wei
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan
| | - Li-Jung Kao
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hua Chang
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jia Li
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan
| | - Te-Yuan Chen
- Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan
| | - Tse-Min Lee
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan.,Frontier Center for Ocean Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan.,Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan
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Lauritano C, Saide A. Editorial of Special Issue "Microalgal Molecules and Enzymes". Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413450. [PMID: 34948247 PMCID: PMC8705500 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Shokravi H, Shokravi Z, Heidarrezaei M, Ong HC, Rahimian Koloor SS, Petrů M, Lau WJ, Ismail AF. Fourth generation biofuel from genetically modified algal biomass: Challenges and future directions. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 285:131535. [PMID: 34329137 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Genetic engineering applications in the field of biofuel are rapidly expanding due to their potential to boost biomass productivity while lowering its cost and enhancing its quality. Recently, fourth-generation biofuel (FGB), which is biofuel obtained from genetically modified (GM) algae biomass, has gained considerable attention from academic and industrial communities. However, replacing fossil resources with FGB is still beset with many challenges. Most notably, technical aspects of genetic modification operations need to be more fully articulated and elaborated. However, relatively little attention has been paid to GM algal biomass. There is a limited number of reviews on the progress and challenges faced in the algal genetics of FGB. Therefore, the present review aims to fill this gap in the literature by recapitulating the findings of recent studies and achievements on safe and efficient genetic manipulation in the production of FGB. Then, the essential issues and parameters related to genome editing in algal strains are highlighted. Finally, the main challenges to FGB pertaining to the diffusion risk and regulatory frameworks are addressed. This review concluded that the technical and biosafety aspects of FGB, as well as the complexity and diversity of the related regulations, legitimacy concerns, and health and environmental risks, are among the most important challenges that require a strong commitment at the national/international levels to reach a global consensus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoofar Shokravi
- School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM Skudai, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Zahra Shokravi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch of Tehran, Markazi, Iran
| | - Mahshid Heidarrezaei
- School of Chemical & Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM Skudai, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Institute of Bioproduct Development (IBD), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, 81310, Malaysia
| | - Hwai Chyuan Ong
- Centre for Green Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - Seyed Saeid Rahimian Koloor
- Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies, and Innovation (CXI), Technical University of Liberec (TUL), Studentska 2, 461 17, Liberec, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Petrů
- Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies, and Innovation (CXI), Technical University of Liberec (TUL), Studentska 2, 461 17, Liberec, Czech Republic
| | - Woei Jye Lau
- School of Chemical & Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM Skudai, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Fauzi Ismail
- School of Chemical & Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, UTM Skudai, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia; Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
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Castiglia D, Landi S, Esposito S. Advanced Applications for Protein and Compounds from Microalgae. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:1686. [PMID: 34451730 PMCID: PMC8398235 DOI: 10.3390/plants10081686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Algal species still show unrevealed and unexplored potentiality for the identification of new compounds. Photosynthetic organisms represent a valuable resource to exploit and sustain the urgent need of sustainable and green technologies. Particularly, unconventional organisms from extreme environments could hide properties to be employed in a wide range of biotechnology applications, due to their peculiar alleles, proteins, and molecules. In this review we report a detailed dissection about the latest and advanced applications of protein derived from algae. Furthermore, the innovative use of modified algae as bio-reactors to generate proteins or bioactive compounds was discussed. The latest progress about pharmaceutical applications, including the possibility to obtain drugs to counteract virus (as SARS-CoV-2) were also examined. The last paragraph will survey recent cases of the utilization of extremophiles as bio-factories for specific protein and molecule production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Castiglia
- Bio-Organic Chemistry Unit, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry CNR, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy;
| | - Simone Landi
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Sergio Esposito
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli, Italy;
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