Biotechnological perspectives on algae: a viable option for next generation biofuels

Abstract

Because of their biofuel producing capabilities, algae (including microalgae and cyanobacteria) are effective and sustainable tools to attain energy security with a growing world population and for reduction of our current reliance on fossil fuels. Algal metabolic and genetic engineering could provide substantial advancements in producing novel and promising strains for the production of alternative biofuels. In this review, we have highlighted biotechnological strategies for microalgae and cyanobacteria that target the improvement of: (1) biosynthesis of biofuel precursors (fatty acid, TAGs, and lipids etc.), (2) carbon-capture ability to accumulate more lipids, and (3) engineering hydrogenases for augmented production of biohydrogen. Other strategies for improving quality and quantity of algal biofuels are also explored.