Engineered cyanobacteria: teaching an old bug new tricks

Abstract

Cyanobacteria have played an important role in the development of the Earth and have long been studied as model organisms for photosynthesis and the circadian rhythm. Recent developments have led to increased interest in the use of engineered cyanobacteria for the production of protein and chemical products. This review highlights the genetic tools and strategies for manipulation of cyanobacteria as well as previous accomplishments in the development of engineered cyanobacteria for applied use. Particular attention is given to the engineering of cyanobacteria for biofuel production, including both hydrocarbon and hydrogen fuels. Genetic engineering efforts to enhance cyanobacterial fitness are reviewed with an emphasis on physiological improvements for large-scale production. Lastly, a future outlook on engineered cyanobacteria is presented, highlighting the future areas of focus and technical challenges in this field. With the uncertainty of future energy security, it is an exciting time in applied cyanobacterial research, but we must take the time to learn from these past accomplishments before we can capitalize on the potential of these photosynthetic microorganisms.