Genetic Bioengineering in the Achievement of Algae Biofuels and High-Value Bio-products

Abstract

The dependence to fossil fuels has increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. That is why, the production of renewable and sustainable biofuels has gained a long-term importance for both scientific and political necessities. In this context, algae are promising in terms of alternative biofuels resources. For this reason, intensive scientific researches have been carried out in recent years on providing optimum efficiency in this regard. Bioengineering is a discipline that applies engineering principles of design and analysis to biological systems and biomedical technologies. Examples of bioengineering research include bacteria or microalgae engineered to produce valuable bioactive chemicals. Microalgae by target gene modification may serve as a promising source for the production of biofuels and bio-based chemicals. A lot of research has been carried out by applying microalgae genomic editing technique with the aim to produce numerous biotechnological products. Some successful previously reported research and production activities are still underway in this area. However, in order to produce the desired products efficiently with manipulated microalgae biorefinery, there is a need to overcome the problem of low biomass production despite high production costs. The aim of this work is to give special attention to the rich potential content of microalgae and to provide information on algal genetic manipulations to increase products by bioengineering methods.