Biotechnology Bulletin ›› 2024, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (6): 81-94.doi: 10.13560/j.cnki.biotech.bull.1985.2024-0011

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Research Progress in the Production of Functional Fatty Acid DHA by Microalga Thraustochytrids

ZHANG Mei-yu1,2(), ZHAO Yu-bin3, WANG Ling-yun3, SONG Yuan-da1,2, ZHAO Xin-he1,2(), REN Xiao-jie1,2()   

  1. 1. Colin Ratledge Center for Microbial Lipids, School of Agriculture Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255000
    2. International Cooperative Joint Laboratory for Marine Microbial Cell Factories, Shandong Province, Zibo 255000
    3. Luzhou Bio-Chem Technology Co. Ltd., Linyi 276400
  • Received:2024-01-04 Online:2024-06-26 Published:2024-05-15
  • Contact: ZHAO Xin-he, REN Xiao-jie E-mail:zmeiyu1118@163.com;zhaoxinhe@sdut.edu.cn;renxiaojie@sdut.edu.cn

Abstract:

Docosahexaenoic acid(DHA), an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid in human body, plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health, combating cancer, and supporting vision and brain function. Traditional methods of extracting DHA from deep-sea fish oil suffer from strong fish odor and complex processing, driving researchers to explore more efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives. Thraustochytrids, with their rapid growth, low heavy metal contamination, and high DHA content, have emerged as potential microorganisms for industrial DHA production. However, several key issues persist in DHA production through Thraustochytrids fermentation, including enhancing fermentation production and reducing costs. This paper aims to comprehensively review the research status of DHA production through Thraustochytrids fermentation, covering strain screening and improvement, DHA biosynthesis pathways, genetic transformation, metabolic engineering, and fermentation control strategies. The paper first summarizes methods for natural screening and mutagenic improvement of wild-type strains to enhance DHA oil production in Thraustochytrids. It then delves into the research progress of DHA biosynthesis pathways in Thraustochytrids, emphasizing the role of key cofactors in DHA production. Additionally, it outlines the current application status of genetic transformation technology for introducing exogenous DNA into Thraustochytrids cells, offering valuable insights for enhancing genetic transformation efficiency and stability. Regarding DHA metabolism regulation, the paper discusses the promoting effect of nitrogen limitation on DHA synthesis and the impact of temperature and oxygen supply on production efficiency. Finally, it summarizes the main challenges and future development trends in leveraging Thraustochytrids for DHA production, aiming to facilitate their widespread application in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and food industries, and achieve efficient large-scale production.

Key words: Thraustochytrids, docosahexaenoic acid(DHA), metabolic engineering, genetic transformation, breeding of bacterial strains, biosynthetic pathway, fermentation strategy