Comprehensive Genome Engineering Toolbox for Microalgae Based on CRISPR-Cas Systems.

Microalgae can produce industrially relevant metabolites using atmospheric CO and sunlight as carbon and energy sources, respectively. Developing molecular tools for high-throughput genome engineering could accelerate the generation of tailored strains with improved traits. To this end, we developed a genome editing strategy based on Cas12a ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) and homology-directed repair (HDR) to generate scarless and markerless mutants of the microalga .

Synthetic Biology Approaches To Enhance Microalgal Productivity.

The major bottleneck in commercializing biofuels and other commodities produced by microalgae is the high cost associated with phototrophic cultivation. Improving microalgal productivities could be a solution to this problem. Synthetic biology methods have recently been used to engineer the downstream production pathways in several microalgal strains.

CRISPR-Cas ribonucleoprotein mediated homology-directed repair for efficient targeted genome editing in microalgae IMET1.

Background: Microalgae are considered as a sustainable feedstock for the production of biofuels and other value-added compounds. In particular, spp. stand out from other microalgal species due to their capabilities to accumulate both triacylglycerol (TAG) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).

Progress of CRISPR-Cas Based Genome Editing in Photosynthetic Microbes.

The carbon footprint caused by unsustainable development and its environmental and economic impact has become a major concern in the past few decades. Photosynthetic microbes such as microalgae and cyanobacteria are capable of accumulating value-added compounds from carbon dioxide, and have been regarded as environmentally friendly alternatives to reduce the usage of fossil fuels, thereby contributing to reducing the carbon footprint. This light-driven generation of green chemicals and biofuels has triggered the research for metabolic engineering of these photosynthetic microbes.