Genetic Engineering Efforts to Generate Chlamydomonas Strains for Large‐Scale Biomolecule Production

ABSTRACT

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is an established model microalga. Its easy manipulation, metabolic flexibility and tractable genomes allowed researchers to investigate fundamental processes such as photosynthesis using genetic studies for decades. Chlamydomonas is not naturally rich in lipids or pigments compared to industrially relevant microalgae. However, we highlight how its biotechnological potential relies on advanced genetic and metabolic engineering strategies, now possible due to the availability of extensive toolbox and synthetic biology platforms, which can improve industrial traits and allow to produce a variety of biomolecules of biotechnological interest. We provide examples of biomolecule production (terpenoids and recombinant proteins), and show that productivities (mg/L) are in the same range or could even be higher than those reached in other photosynthetic chassis (e.g., cyanobacteria or mosses). We point out that despite these achievements, the industrial implementation of C. reinhardtii is still lacking. Further technological advancements as well as clear international regulations and social acceptance are fundamental to reach the full potential of this microalga.