Molecular design of microalgae as sustainable cell factories

Microalgae are regarded as sustainable and potent chassis for biotechnology. Their capacity for efficient photosynthesis fuels dynamic growth independent from organic carbon sources and converts atmospheric CO₂ directly into various valuable hydrocarbon-based metabolites. However, approaches to gene expression and metabolic regulation have been inferior to those in more established heterotrophs (e.g., prokaryotes or yeast) since the genetic tools and insights in expression regulation have been distinctly less advanced. In recent years, however, these tools and their efficiency have dramatically improved. Various examples have demonstrated new trends in microalgal biotechnology and the potential of microalgae for the transition towards a sustainable bioeconomy.