Programmable synthetic biology tools for developing microbial cell factories

Microbial conversion to generate value-added chemicals from diverse biomass is one of the keystones of energy biotechnology. Programmable synthetic biology tools offer versatile, standardized options for developing microbial cell factories. These tools thus can be reprogrammed in a userdefined manner for flexible wiring of stimuli and response, highly efficient genome engineering, and extensive perturbation of metabolic flux and genetic circuits. They also can be modularly assembled to construct elaborate and unprecedented biological systems with unique features. This review highlights recent advances in programmable synthetic biology tools based on biosensors, CRISPR-Cas, and RNA devices for developing microbial cell factories that have the potential to be utilized for energy biotechnology.

Automated summary

Microbial conversion of diverse biomass for value-added chemicals is essential in energy biotechnology. Programmable synthetic biology tools, such as biosensors, CRISPR-Cas, and RNA devices, enable the development of microbial cell factories. These tools allow for flexible manipulation of stimuli and response, efficient genome engineering, and alteration of metabolic flux and genetic circuits. They also facilitate the construction of complex biological systems with unique features. This review highlights recent advancements in programmable synthetic biology tools for energy biotechnology.