Genetic improvement of microalgae for enhanced carbon dioxide sequestration and enriched biomass productivity: Review on CO2 bio-fixation pathways modifications

Algae, carbon dioxide and wastewater are the most promising research topics in recent years. Integrated sustainable approaches on cultivating microalgae in both real-time and simulated wastewater with carbon dioxide (CO2) are experimented as environmentally feasible approach. However, in terms of high macromolecules rich biomass productivity (example: high lipid accumulated biomasses productivity for biofuel applications) are needed to achieve sustainable productivity. Hence, it is needed to improve photosynthesis process by which we can achieve higher CO2 sequestration and enriched biomass productivity. Therefore, on improving photosynthesis process, efficiency of enzymes involved in photosynthetic pathways needs to be enriched, light utilization range needs to be improved and majorly the release of captured CO2 needs to be minimized. These modifications are achievable through genetic engineering approaches in environmentally friendly way. Hence, this review provides the detailed potential strategies that helps in enhancing the microalgae-based CO2 fixation, technical insights into existing limitations and challenges, future research directions to achieve sustainable development.