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Jareonsin S, Mahanil K, Phinyo K, Srinuanpan S, Pekkoh J, Kameya M, Arai H, Ishii M, Chundet R, Sattayawat P, Pumas C. Unlocking microalgal host-exploring dark-growing microalgae transformation for sustainable high-value phytochemical production. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1296216. [PMID: 38026874 PMCID: PMC10666632 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1296216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Microalgae have emerged as a promising, next-generation sustainable resource with versatile applications, particularly as expression platforms and green cell factories. They possess the ability to overcome the limitations of terrestrial plants, such non-arable land, water scarcity, time-intensive growth, and seasonal changes. However, the heterologous expression of interested genes in microalgae under heterotrophic cultivation (dark mode) remains a niche area within the field of engineering technologies. In this study, the green microalga, Chlorella sorokiniana AARL G015 was chosen as a potential candidate due to its remarkable capacity for rapid growth in complete darkness, its ability to utilize diverse carbon sources, and its potential for wastewater treatment in a circular bioeconomy model. The aims of this study were to advance microalgal genetic engineering via dark cultivation, thereby positioning the strain as promising dark-host for expressing heterologous genes to produce high-value phytochemicals and ingredients for food and feed. To facilitate comprehensive screening based on resistance, eleven common antibiotics were tested under heterotrophic condition. As the most effective selectable markers for this strain, G418, hygromycin, and streptomycin exhibited growth inhibition rates of 98%, 93%, and 92%, respectively, ensuring robust long-term transgenic growth. Successful transformation was achieved through microalgal cell cocultivation with Agrobacterium under complete darkness verified through the expression of green fluorescence protein and β-glucuronidase. In summary, this study pioneers an alternative dark-host microalgal platform, using, Chlorella, under dark mode, presenting an easy protocol for heterologous gene transformation for microalgal host, devoid of the need for expensive equipment and light for industrial production. Furthermore, the developed genetic transformation methodology presents a sustainable way for production of high-value nutrients, dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, proteins and pharmaceuticals using heterotrophic microalgae as an innovative host system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surumpa Jareonsin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Applied Microbiology (International Program) in Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Kanjana Mahanil
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Kittiya Phinyo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Sirasit Srinuanpan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Jeeraporn Pekkoh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Masafumi Kameya
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Arai
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaharu Ishii
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ruttaporn Chundet
- Division of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Maejo University, Chiangmai, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Pachara Sattayawat
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Chayakorn Pumas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Environmental Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Multidisciplinary Research Institute, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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