Synthetic biology development of microbial strains for liquid biofuel production

Abstract

As a renewable energy source, biofuels can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and effectively lower greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating the global climate change issue. The production of liquid biofuels primarily relies on the biosynthetic processes of microorganisms. While many natural strains possess specific metabolic capabilities to produce liquid biofuels, their performance often fails to meet the demands of industrial-scale production. Therefore, genetic engineering to construct strains with optimized metabolic pathways has become an inevitable approach. Synthetic biology technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, giving rise to a large number of new tools and methods that significantly accelerate the development of strain-engineering, thereby enhancing the yield and productivity of biofuels. In this article, we review the latest advancements in the synthetic biology method of developing liquid biofuel-producing strains. We summarize the progress in synthetic biology from the perspectives of chassis strain selection, the development of synthetic biology tools, and metabolic regulation tools for strains. Additionally, by showcasing examples of strain development for some important biofuels, we demonstrate the immense potential of synthetic biology in biofuel production. Through these summaries, this article provides valuable references for the development of biofuel-producing strains, contributing to the further advancement and application of biofuel technologies.

Keywords: Bioenergy; Bioethanol; Chassis strain; Lignocellulose; Metabolic engineering; Regulatory tools.