Engineering of the fast-growing cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 11901 to synthesize astaxanthin.
Summary
By expressing β-ketolase and β-hydroxylase, Synechococcus sp. PCC 11901 accumulated astaxanthin to >80% of total carotenoids and achieved 10 mg/L/day volumetric productivity, surpassing Haematococcus pluvialis benchmarks. The engineered strain also grew faster than wild type under high light with CO2 bubbling, highlighting a promising industrial platform.
Key Findings
- First engineering of Synechococcus sp. PCC 11901 to produce astaxanthin via bKT and CtrZ expression.
- Astaxanthin exceeded 80% of total carotenoids during photoautotrophic growth.
- Volumetric productivity reached 10 mg/L/day, surpassing Haematococcus pluvialis and other engineered strains.
Clinical Implications
No immediate clinical change; improved access and cost for astaxanthin could affect dermatology/ophthalmology supplements and cosmeceutical formulations over time.
Why It Matters
Demonstrates a fast-growing cyanobacterial chassis producing astaxanthin at record productivity, potentially transforming supply chains for cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and aquaculture.
Limitations
- Laboratory-scale demonstration without technoeconomic or life-cycle analysis.
- Downstream extraction, stability, and scalability not assessed.
Future Directions
Integrate process optimization (light/CO2 regimes), metabolic flux balancing, and pilot-scale cultivation with downstream extraction to enable industrial translation.
Study Information
- Study Type
- Case series
- Research Domain
- Pathophysiology
- Evidence Level
- V - Preclinical engineering study with in vitro cultivation; no human or animal subjects.
- Study Design
- OTHER