# CRISPR-enhanced microalgae biosynthesis: a promising approach for future functional feed ingredients

## TL;DR

This paper explores how CRISPR technology can boost microalgae's ability to produce valuable nutrients for animal feed.

## Contribution

The paper highlights CRISPR-based genome editing as a novel strategy to enhance microalgae biosynthesis for functional feed ingredients.

## Key findings

- CRISPR can optimize microalgae nutritional profiles for livestock.
- Microalgae can produce high-value bioactive compounds like proteins and fatty acids.
- Synthetic biology strategies are key to scaling up microalgae-derived product production.

## Abstract

Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms capable of synthesizing diverse high-value bioactive compounds, including premium proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, pigments, and vitamins. These natural products exhibit significant potential in enhancing livestock growth and health, offering biological activity and nutritional benefits that surpass chemically synthesized alternatives. Nevertheless, the commercial production of microalgae-derived natural products remains insufficient to meet escalating market demands. Utilizing synthetic biology strategies, especially the CRISPR system, to increase productivity of microalgae cell factories is crucial for scaling up high-value product biosynthesis. This article reviews the current applications, construction strategies, and critical pathway nodes in microalgae cell factory, with emphasis on CRISPR-based genome editing breakthroughs for optimizing microalgae nutritional profiles, and recent progress in microalgae utilization for livestock production, providing a forward-looking perspective on future developments.