Metabolic Engineering of Microalgae for Biofuel Production

Abstract

Microalgae are considered as promising cell factories for the production of various types of biofuels, including bioethanol, biodiesel, and biohydrogen by using carbon dioxide and sunlight. In spite of unique advantages of these microorganisms, the commercialization of microalgal biofuels has been hindered by poor economic features. Metabolic engineering is among the most promising strategies put forth to overcome this challenge. In this chapter, metabolic pathways involved in lipid and hydrogen production by microalgae are reviewed and discussed. Moreover, metabolic and genetic engineering approaches investigated for improving the rate of lipid (as a feedstock for biodiesel production) and biohydrogen synthesis are presented. Finally, genetic engineering tools and approaches employed for engineering microalgal metabolic pathways are elaborated. A thorough step-by-step protocol for reconstructing the metabolic pathway of various microorganisms including microalgae is also presented.

Keywords: Biodiesel; Biohydrogen; Genetic engineering; Metabolic engineering; Microalgae.