Chapter 4: Advances in the Resources to Augment Microalgal Genetic Engineering: Omics-based Resources, Mutant Libraries, and High-throughput Screening Techniques

In nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, microalgae have shown promise as a renewable source of bioactive compounds. Robust cultivation along with increased biomass productivity is a key factor for maximizing the efficiency of microalgal biomass production. Various research studies have been done on microalgae, but large-scale microalgal production in economical ways is still challenging. In addition, the losses during downstream processing further lead to a decline in yield and productivity. Genetic engineering has become an increasingly popular method for strain improvement. With this in focus, the review discusses several advanced techniques and resources for strain improvement. Several omics datasets from diverse microalgal species have recently become available, and the availability of genome sequences has the capability of guiding microalgal strain improvement programs strategically. A combinatorial approach based on several omics platforms and the integration of their results has proven to be an effective approach for improving algal productivity through the clarification of their molecular systems.