Genome editing of algal species by CRISPR Cas9 for biofuels.

Microalgae are immensely diverse photosynthetic organisms; commonly utilized as sources of human consumption, fish feed nutraceuticals, biofuels, and commercially important metabolites. Development of environment-friendly alternative fuels as a replacement of conventional fuels is going to be a necessity as existing fossil fuels reservoirs are sharply depleting and fuel-exhausts are damaging our environment at the alarming rate due to rise in pollution levels. The inherent ability of microalgae to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide renders it a promising and carbon neutral feedstock for biofuels. A gradual shift from conventional carbon-emitting fuels to carbon-neutral alternatives can prove to be a significant step in mitigating climate change effects. The strain improvement using new technologies can play a significant role in the quest to transform microalgae into an alternative source for the futuristic fuel. CRISPR/Cas9 system, a relatively new member of the engineered nucleases family, has been programmed to make precise modifications in the DNA at loci of choice. It promises to be an effective tool for improving the algal strains for producing a sustainable biofuel. Thus, application of CRISPR in microalgae may unleash the untapped potential of microalgal biofuels.