Harnessing MicroRNAs and CRISPR to enhance biofuel production in microalgae
Kirbayeva D.K. Shayakhmetova A.Y. Kossalbayev B.D. Sadvakasova A.K. Bauenova M.O.
12 August 2025Elsevier Ltd
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
2025#157
The growing need for sustainable energy sources has intensified research into alternative biofuels, with microalgae emerging as a promising candidate due to its ability to rapidly accumulate lipids and produce molecular hydrogen under specific conditions. Despite the immense potential, challenges in maintaining optimal metabolic efficiency without compromising cell viability and biomass yield remain. Recent advancements in genetic engineering, including CRISPR and microRNA (miRNA)-based systems, have allowed more precise manipulation of metabolic pathways, enhancing production of lipids and biohydrogen. For instance, studies have shown that miRNA-silencing of OEE2 gene in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii resulted in 2-fold increased H2 production, whereas both mutants of Phaeodactylum tricornutum with downregulated PtECH via CRISPR interference demonstrated 7- and 20-fold higher lipid productivity. Integration of these innovative technologies enables designing microalgal strains optimized for sustainable industrial-scale bioenergy production. This review delves into the role of these advanced technologies with a particular focus on lipid and biohydrogen synthesis.
Biohydrogen , CRISPR activation , CRISPR interference , Lipid , Microalgae , microRNA
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Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Al-Farabi 71, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology
10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель
Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026