Microalgae and cyanobacteria as enzyme biofactories

• Published in: Algal research (Amsterdam) Vol. 25; pp. 76 - 89
• Main Authors: Brasil, Bruno dos Santos Alves Figueiredo, de Siqueira, Félix Gonçalves, Salum, Thaís Fabiana Chan, Zanette, Cristina Maria, Spier, Michele Rigon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.07.2017
• Subjects: Bioactive compounds; Biomanufacturing; Enzymes; Photosynthetic microorganisms; Recombinant proteins; Photosynthetic microorganisms; Enzymes; Biomanufacturing; Bioactive compounds; Recombinant proteins
• ISSN: 2211-9264; 2211-9264
• DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2017.04.035

Microalgae consist of a diverse group that includes prokaryotic cyanobacteria and eukaryotic photosynthetic microorganisms that inhabit freshwater and marine habitats. Microalgae can be used in different industries, including as food for human consumption, as animal feed, in aquaculture, in cosmetics and as biofuels. Because they are photoautotrophs, with minimal nutritional requirements, microalgae have advantages compared to other microbial cells. An overview of the great potential of these cells to synthesize enzymes for several industrial applications is provided. Photosynthetic microorganism-derived enzymes include cellulases, galactosidases, proteases, lipases, phytases, laccases, amylases, antioxidant enzymes and enzyme associated with carbohydrate accumulation and the carbon concentration. Furthermore, recent reports on microalgae genomics are revealing a variety of novel genes that should be investigated for biotechnological applications. Exploring algal genetic diversity will also enable the efficient use of photosynthetic microorganisms as recombinant enzyme biofactories that will be useful to industry. Schematic illustration of microalgal biomass and enzyme production. Microalgae are grown in an aqueous medium under illumination with a nutrient and CO2 supply. The biomass can be used as food or as feed supplement. Cell disruption methods are used, and intracellular enzymes are recovered and purified. [Display omitted] •Microalgae are potential producers of enzymes of industrial interest.•Efficient methods for enzyme recovery from algal biomass are required.•Limitations on enzyme expression and large-scale production must be overcome.•Photosynthetic microorganisms are promising hosts for recombinant enzyme expression.