Cited by 528Algal biology and biofuel productionAquatic Ecosystems and Phytoplankton DynamicsBiocrusts and Microbial Ecology

Applications of cyanobacteria in biotechnology

Abed, R.M.M., Dobretsov, S., Sudesh, K.·2009·Journal of Applied Microbiology

Abstract

Cyanobacteria have gained a lot of attention in recent years because of their potential applications in biotechnology. We present an overview of the literature describing the uses of cyanobacteria in industry and services sectors and provide an outlook on the challenges and future prospects of the field of cyanobacterial biotechnology. Cyanobacteria have been identified as a rich source of biologically active compounds with antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer activities. Several strains of cyanobacteria were found to accumulate polyhydroxyalkanoates, which can be used as a substitute for nonbiodegradable petrochemical-based plastics. Recent studies showed that oil-polluted sites are rich in cyanobacterial consortia capable of degrading oil components. Cyanobacteria within these consortia facilitated the degradation processes by providing the associated oil-degrading bacteria with the necessary oxygen, organics and fixed nitrogen. Cyanobacterial hydrogen has been considered as a very promising source of alternative energy, and has now been made commercially available. In addition to these applications, cyanobacteria are also used in aquaculture, wastewater treatment, food, fertilizers, production of secondary metabolites including exopolysaccharides, vitamins, toxins, enzymes and pharmaceuticals. Future research should focus on isolating new cyanobacterial strains producing high value products and genetically modifying existing strains to ensure maximum production of the desired products. Metagenomic libraries should be constructed to discover new functional genes that are involved in the biosynthesis of biotechnological relevant compounds. Large-scale industrial production of the cyanobacterial products requires optimization of incubation conditions and fermenter designs in order to increase productivity.

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Crossref · 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2008.03918.x

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Authors
Abed, R. M. M., Dobretsov, S., & Sudesh, K.
Affiliations
  • Sultan Qaboos University (OM)
  • Universiti Sains Malaysia (MY)
Venue
Journal of Applied Microbiology
Published
2009-01
Volume
106
Issue
1
Pages
1-12
ISSN
  • 1364-5072 (ISSN-L)
  • 1365-2672
OpenAlex
W1992433658
Cited by
528
References
102
Citations by year
2026: 12 · 2025: 24 · 2024: 48 · 2023: 37 · 2022: 41 · 2021: 45 · 2020: 66 · 2019: 36 · 2018: 44 · 2017: 38 · 2016: 23 · 2015: 24 · 2014: 25 · 2013: 22 · 2012: 21
FWCI
0.32
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Journal of Applied Microbiology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Algal biology and biofuel production
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Environmental Chemistry › Aquatic Ecosystems and Phytoplankton Dynamics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics › Biocrusts and Microbial Ecology
Keywords
cyanobacteria, cyanobacterial biotechnology, bioactive compounds, polyhydroxyalkanoates, biodegradable plastics, aquaculture, wastewater treatment, secondary metabolites, exopolysaccharides, cyanotoxins, metagenomics
MeSH terms
Cyanobacteria, Biocompatible Materials, Biodegradation, Environmental, Biotechnology, Fertilizers, Hydrogen, Industrial Microbiology, Oils, Plastics

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