From cyanochemicals to cyanofactories: a review and perspective

Engineering cyanobacteria for production of chemicals from solar energy, CO(2) and water is a potential approach to address global energy and environment issues such as greenhouse effect. To date, more than 20 chemicals have been synthesized by engineered cyanobacteria using CO(2) as raw materials, and these studies have been well reviewed. However, unlike heterotrophic microorganisms, the low CO(2) fixation rate makes it a long way to go from cyanochemicals to cyanofactories. Here we review recent progresses on improvement of carbon fixation and redistribution of intercellular carbon flux, and discuss the challenges for developing cyanofactories in the future.