CRISPR-based microalgal genome editing and the potential for sustainable aquaculture: a comprehensive review

• Published in: Journal of applied phycology Vol. 37; no. 1; pp. 265 - 285
• Main Authors: Ambily, B., Limna Mol, V. P., Sini, H., Nevin, K. G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.02.2025; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Algae; Alternative energy; Animal population; Aquaculture; Aquaculture practices; Aquatic ecosystems; Aquatic microorganisms; Aquatic populations; Bioactive compounds; Biological activity; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biorefineries; biorefining; Biotechnology; CRISPR; Ecology; Editing; farmed fish; Fish; Fish populations; Freshwater & Marine Ecology; Gene editing; genes; Genetic engineering; Genetic modification; Genome editing; Genomes; genomics; Hot springs; humans; ice; Life Sciences; Lipid metabolism; Lipids; Metabolic engineering; Metabolic pathways; Metabolism; Metabolites; Microalgae; Nutritive value; Photosynthesis; Phytoplankton; Pigments; Plant Physiology; Plant Sciences; Renewable energy; renewable energy sources; Review; risk; Sustainability; Sustainable aquaculture; wild fish; CRISPR; Metabolic engineering; Microalgae; Genome; Aquaculture
• ISSN: 0921-8971; 1573-5176
• DOI: 10.1007/s10811-024-03376-x

Microalgae are a diverse collection of unicellular photosynthetic organisms that grow in a wide range of environments, from hot springs to snow and ice. They have great potential for renewable energy generation as well as being potential sources of a wide range of metabolites including lipids, proteins, pigments, and bioactive compounds. Microalgae have received a lot of interest in recent years as a resource for sustainable aquaculture and as a potential solution to the environmental and dietary challenges created by traditional aquaculture practices. Recent biotechnology advancements have enabled scientists to modify the genetic composition of microalgae through CRISPR technology, specifically focusing on genes or metabolic pathways that provide unprecedented accuracy and efficiency for the production of bioactive substances and biorefineries. CRISPR-based microalgal genetic engineering could eventually help to ease pressure on wild fish populations, preserve natural aquatic ecosystems, and improve the nutritional value of farmed fish for human consumption. This review also highlights the challenges and limitations of applying CRISPR technology in microalgae, including the risk of off-target effects that can alter unintended genomic regions, leading to unpredictable outcomes. Likewise, the efficient delivery of CRISPR components into microalgal cells remains a critical challenge, necessitating the development of species-specific delivery methods to enhance the precision and efficacy of CRISPR-based modifications. Overall, this review shows the potential of microalgae in sustainable aquaculture, and provides an assessment of current developments and successes in CRISPR-based genome editing in microalgae as well as the potential future uses of its metabolic engineering and gene editing strategies.