Metabolic engineering of microorganisms for carbon dioxide utilization

Abstract

The escalating climate crisis underscores the urgent need for sustainable development, with CO₂ utilization emerging as a pivotal approach to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Among various technological approaches, metabolic engineering of microorganisms for CO₂ utilization offers significant potential. This review covers the engineering of endogenous CO₂ fixation pathways, the construction of novel synthetic pathways, and strategies to optimize metabolic flux, enhance cofactor availability, and manipulate regulatory genes to improve CO₂ assimilation efficiency. It also explores the roles of evolutionary engineering, enzyme engineering, and CO₂ concentrating mechanisms in improving CO₂ fixation. Additionally, the review underscores advancements in converting CO₂ into valuable products such as biofuels, bioplastics, and chemicals using both native and synthetic autotrophic microorganisms.