CRISPR-CAS9-MEDIATED ENHANCEMENT OF HEAT TOLERANCE AND BIOFUEL PRODUCTIVITY IN MICROALGAE: A REVIEW
Abstract
The increasing demand for sustainable and renewable energy sources has intensified interest in microalgae as promising feedstocks for biofuel production. Microalgae possess several advantages, including rapid growth rate, high lipid accumulation, efficient carbon dioxide utilization, and the ability to grow in diverse environmental conditions. However, elevated temperature remains a major challenge affecting algal biomass productivity, photosynthetic efficiency, lipid biosynthesis, and overall industrial performance. Heat stress induces oxidative damage, disrupts metabolic pathways,
and reduces biofuel yield, thereby limiting the commercial feasibility of algal biofuel systems. Recent advances in genetic engineering, particularly CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology, have provided new opportunities for improving thermotolerance and metabolic efficiency in microalgae. CRISPR-Cas9 enables precise modification of genes associated with heat shock proteins, antioxidant defense systems, photosynthesis, carbon fixation, membrane stability, and lipid metabolism. In addition, the integration of synthetic biology, systems biology, and multiomics approaches has accelerated the development of stress-resilient algal strains with enhanced biofuel productivity. This review discusses the impact of heat stress on algal systems, recent developments in CRISPR-mediated algal biotechnology, important genetic targets associated with thermal adaptation, and the role of genome editing in improving biofuel production. Furthermore, the review highlights current challenges, prospects, and the potential of CRISPR-engineered thermotolerant microalgae for sustainable renewable energy applications.
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