Biotechnological production and applications of coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q(10) is widely used as an essential component of ATP generation in the oxidative phosphorylation process and as an antioxidant preventing lipid peroxidation and scavenging superoxide. It is also recommended as a supplement to 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors. Research efforts on the production of coenzyme Q(10) by microorganisms focus on the development of potent strains by conventional mutagenesis and metabolic engineering, analysis and modification of the key metabolic pathways and optimization of fermentation strategies. Especially, random mutants with drugs resistance show a high coenzyme Q(10) concentration. Metabolic engineering techniques have been applied to improve coenzyme Q(10) production. The key enzymes involved in the coenzyme Q(10) biosynthesis pathway have been cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The rational design of metabolic pathways in combination with engineering optimization of fermentation processes could facilitate the development of viable bioconversion processes.