Microalgae and cyanobacteria as enzyme biofactories

Microalgae consist of a diverse group that includes prokaryotic cyanobacteria and eukaryotic photosynthetic microorganisms that inhabit freshwater and marine habitats. Microalgae can be used in different industries, including as food for human consumption, as animal feed, in aquaculture, in cosmetics and as biofuels. Because they are photoautotrophs, with minimal nutritional requirements, microalgae have advantages compared to other microbial cells. An overview of the great potential of these cells to synthesize enzymes for several industrial applications is provided. Photosynthetic microorganism-derived enzymes include cellulases, galactosidases, proteases, lipases, phytases, laccases, amylases, antioxidant enzymes and enzyme associated with carbohydrate accumulation and the carbon concentration. Furthermore, recent reports on microalgae genomics are revealing a variety of novel genes that should be investigated for biotechnological applications. Exploring algal genetic diversity will also enable the efficient use of photosynthetic microorganisms as recombinant enzyme biofactories that will be useful to industry.