Photosynthetic biomanufacturing in green algae; production of recombinant proteins for industrial, nutritional, and medical uses

Photosynth Res. 2015 Mar;123(3):227-39. doi: 10.1007/s11120-014-9994-7. Epub 2014 Mar 22.

Abstract

Recombinant proteins are widely used for industrial, nutritional, and medical applications. Green microalgae have attracted considerable attention recently as a biomanufacturing platform for the production of recombinant proteins for a number of reasons. These photosynthetic eukaryotic microorganisms are safe, scalable, easy to genetically modify through transformation, mutagenesis, or breeding, and inexpensive to grow. Many microalgae species are genetically transformable, but the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is the most widely used host for recombinant protein expression. An extensive suite of molecular genetic tools has been developed for C. reinhardtii over the last 25 years, including a fully sequenced genome, well-established methods for transformation, mutagenesis and breeding, and transformation vectors for high levels of recombinant protein accumulation and secretion. Here, we review recent successes in the development of C. reinhardtii as a biomanufacturing host for recombinant proteins, including antibodies and immunotoxins, hormones, industrial enzymes, an orally-active colostral protein for gastrointestinal health, and subunit vaccines. In addition, we review the biomanufacturing potential of other green algae from the genera Dunaliella and Chlorella.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed
  • Animals
  • Biotechnology / methods*
  • Chlamydomonas reinhardtii / genetics
  • Chlamydomonas reinhardtii / metabolism*
  • Chlorophyta / genetics
  • Chlorophyta / metabolism
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Microalgae / genetics
  • Microalgae / metabolism*
  • Photosynthesis / genetics
  • Photosynthesis / physiology*
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism*
  • Plant Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Protein Engineering / methods*
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism*
  • Recombinant Proteins / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Plant Proteins
  • Recombinant Proteins