Exploring cyanobacterial diversity for sustainable biotechnology

This review discusses recent developments in the field of cyanobacterial genetic and metabolic diversity and how these can be harnessed to power a new dawn in green biotechnology. Cyanobacteria are an evolutionarily ancient and diverse group of microorganisms. Their genetic diversity has \nallowed them to occupy and play vital roles in a wide range of ecological niches, from desert soil crusts to tropical oceans. Owing to bioprospecting efforts and the development of new platform technologies enabling their study and manipulation, our knowledge of cyanobacterial metabolism is rapidly expanding. This review explores our current understanding of the genetic and metabolic features of cyanobacteria, from the more established cyanobacterial model strains to the newly isolated/described species, particularly the fast-growing, highly productive, and genetically amenable strains, as promising chassis for renewable biotechnology. It also discusses emerging technologies for their study and manipulation, enabling researchers to harness the astounding diversity of the cyanobacterial genomic and metabolic treasure trove towards the establishment of a sustainable bioeconomy.

Automated summary

This review discusses the recent developments in cyanobacterial genetic and metabolic diversity and how they can be utilized in green biotechnology. Cyanobacteria, with their ancient evolutionary history and diverse ecological niches, have a wide range of genetic diversity. The study of cyanobacterial metabolism is expanding rapidly due to bioprospecting efforts and the development of new technologies. This review explores the genetic and metabolic features of cyanobacteria, from established model strains to newly isolated/described species, and discusses their potential in renewable biotechnology. It also highlights emerging technologies that enable researchers to harness the incredible diversity of cyanobacterial genomes and metabolism for the establishment of a sustainable bioeconomy.