Sahar Sadaqat , Muhammad Usmaan , Mizna , Sana Shakoor , Rida Hameed , Sara Ajmal , Amina Yaqoob , Momna Muhammad , Mobeen Babar , Arzoo Ishaq , Maham Irfan , Noor ul Ain , Muhammad Awais , Muhammad Saad Bhutta , Abdul Raouf , Mehwish Imtiaz , Naila Shahid , Ayesha Latif , Aneela Yasmeen , Saira Azam , Tahir Rehman Samiullah , Abdul Qayyum Rao * and Ahmad Ali Shahid
Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, 87-West Canal Bank Road Lahore-53700, Pakistan
*Corresponding author: qayyumabdul77@yahoo.com
Microalgae provide an excellent platform for foreign genes expression. Chloroplast and Nucleus based transformation of transgenes in algae is possible after construct designing (including different markers and promoters) and codon optimization. Different and effective promoters and reporter genes are selected for better recombination. Chloroplast mediated transformation is much more effective than nuclear-based transformation for transgene analysis owing to the higher copy number of chloroplast in the unit area. Microalgae-based products are an excellent target for producing a wide variety of bio-products such as vaccines, antibiotics, and drugs against different diseases. These alternative approaches facilitate enhanced biodiesel production through the fast growth of microalgae in a heterotrophic environment. Also, low risks are attributed owing to their nonhuman consumption property. Biosafety and risk assessment should be carried out before releasing genetically modified microalgae into the environment, considering ethical research code. Microalgae provide cheap, efficient, and high-yielding alternatives to plants. The review emphasizes a microalgae-based expression approach with key steps involved in detail.