Climate change and population growth are putting unprecedented pressure on global energy and food systems. Rising food prices and shortages of essential resources such as clean water and energy could trigger conflicts, mass migration, and political and social instability in the most vulnerable regions. To ensure a safe and equitable future for all, it is vital to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources and efficient and sustainable food production systems. In this context, the microscopic world can make a major contribution.
Microalgae, including cyanobacteria, are the most efficient photosynthetic organisms on the planet. They can generate up to thirty times more biomass per unit area than the most productive agricultural crops. This, coupled with their ability to thrive in drylands, saltwater, or wastewater, makes them a promising alternative for the sustainable production of biofuels and foods rich in proteins and fatty acids.
However, despite their great potential in sectors such as bioenergy and food, microalgae have yet to conquer the market. To do so, current production capacities need to be increased exponentially and costs reduced. Advances in genomics, genetic engineering and artificial intelligence have brought us closer than ever to making this microscopic revolution a reality.
The solution lies in the genomes
There are an estimated 200,000 to 800,000 species of microalgae, of which only 50,000 have been described and only a few are used commercially. This vast universe of microorganisms has enormous biotechnological potential that has yet to be discovered. However, identifying the capabilities of each species is a slow and expensive process due to the need for specific tests and analyses for each one.
Fortunately, advanced genomic sequencing technologies are allowing us to decipher the “operating instructions” of microalgae. Thanks to them, we can identify key genes in the production of bioactive compounds, new enzymes, and mechanisms of resistance to pests and extreme environmental conditions. This accelerates the search for new species, identifying those with characteristics of high biotechnological value in record time.
Decoding the genetic code of microalgae, that is, understanding the function of each gene and the metabolic pathways it follows, is essential to exploiting this potential. Armed with this knowledge, gene editing tools allow us to create microalgae à la carte.
These tools act as ‘molecular scissors’ that can rewrite the genetic code of species by inserting, deleting or modifying specific genes in a precise and controlled manner.
For example, by modifying genes responsible for cell wall synthesis, we can make microalgae more resistant to pathogens and predators. Increasing the efficiency of membrane transport proteins will allow microalgae to absorb nutrients more efficiently. Similarly, by increasing the efficiency of antenna complexes, the systems responsible for capturing light, we can increase the efficiency of photosynthesis and, therefore, biomass production.
Microalgae also have a microbiome.
Understanding the genomes of microorganisms that coexist and interact with microalgae is key to understanding the ecological complexity of cultured systems. The human gut microbiome has been shown to play a critical role in our health and well-being. Maintaining a healthy microbiome helps prevent disease and promotes a healthy lifestyle.
Likewise, the microbiome associated with microalgae contributes to the health of the ecosystem. A healthy and diverse microbiome promotes the growth of microalgae, inhibits the growth of pathogens, and helps maintain water quality in the culture system.
Monitoring the composition of the microbiome allows us to detect early signs of stress, disease, and imbalance in the microbial ecosystem, a phenomenon known as dysbiosis. In addition, knowing how the microbiome surrounding microalgae works gives us the opportunity to create consortia that accelerate biomass production and improve its quality.
Artificial intelligence can also help
Genetic information about microalgae and their microbiomes enables the creation of advanced predictive models using artificial intelligence (AI). These tools simulate the effects of genetic engineering and microbiome manipulation before applying them in real-world settings.
By anticipating how these modifications will affect the functioning of biological systems and their environment, AI accelerates the cycle of biotech innovation. In addition, AI models trained on microbiome composition data help predict imbalances (dysbacteriosis) in crops, allowing preventive measures to be implemented.
Building a genetic knowledge base of microalgae and their microbiome is critical to overcoming the technological challenges that hinder large-scale cultivation. This integrated approach, ranging from understanding genes to biomass production, will enable the biotechnological potential of these microorganisms to be fully exploited.
Just as agriculture has been a milestone in the history of humanity and the planet, the expansion of microalgae cultivation has a strategic role to play in the transition to a more sustainable and equitable model of society. In the near future, microalgae may become an important source of biofuels and food. The necessary technologies already exist, and their implementation, if society so chooses, could trigger a microscopic revolution on a global scale.