Biotechnological production of value-added carotenoids from microalgae

Abstract

We recently evaluated the relationship between abiotic environmental stresses and lutein biosynthesis in the green microalga Dunaliella salina and suggested a rational design of stress-driven adaptive evolution experiments for carotenoids production in microalgae. Here, we summarize our recent findings regarding the biotechnological production of carotenoids from microalgae and outline emerging technology in this field. Carotenoid metabolic pathways are characterized in several representative algal species as they pave the way for biotechnology development. The adaptive evolution strategy is highlighted in connection with enhanced growth rate and carotenoid metabolism. In addition, available genetic modification tools are described, with emphasis on model species. A brief discussion on the role of lights as limiting factors in carotenoid production in microalgae is also included. Overall, our analysis suggests that light-driven metabolism and the photosynthetic efficiency of microalgae in photobioreactors are the main bottlenecks in enhancing biotechnological potential of carotenoid production from microalgae.

Keywords: :

• microalgae
• carotenoid metabolism
• environmental stress
• Dunaliella salina
• adaptive laboratory evolution
• LED-based photobioreactors

This article refers to:

10.4161/bioe.28720

Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Icelandic Technology Development Fund and the Geothermal Research Group (GEORG) Fund.