Advances in Genetic Engineering of Microalgae

Microalgae biotechnology gains more and more commercial importance in quite different fields such as food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, animal feed, and energy industries. Genetic modification of microalgae promises enhanced biotechnological exploitation possibilities in nearly all contexts where unaltered microalgae are involved. Furthermore, genetic engineering makes it possible to produce compounds or to add traits that are not normally present in algae. Recent developments in genetic engineering of microalgae have been supported by rapid advances in omics technologies and a sharp increase of key elements for construction of vectors, transformation, and selection. Even genome editing by application of the CRISPR/Cas system became available. Both the omics groundwork and the key elements of genetic engineering are described in detail. The chapter also discusses a series of applications for transgenic microalgae including the production of high-value compounds like antibodies or vaccines, food additives, biofuels, and even optogenetic tools for neuroscience.