Advancements in Metabolic Engineering: Enhancing Biofuel Production Through Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Models

Abstract

The increasing global demand for energy and the urgent need to mitigate climate change have driven the search for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, with biofuels emerging as a promising solution. However, the low yields and inefficiencies in biofuel production processes necessitate advanced strategies to enhance their commercial viability. Metabolic engineering has become a pivotal tool in optimizing microbial pathways to improve biofuel production, addressing these challenges through innovative genetic and synthetic biology approaches. This review highlights the role of metabolic engineering in enhancing biofuel production by focusing on microbial engineering for lignocellulosic biomass utilization, strategies to overcome inhibitor effects, and pathway optimization for biofuels like n-butanol and iso-butanol. It also explores the production of advanced biofuels from fatty acid and isoprenoid pathways, emphasizing the use of model organisms such as Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Key insights include the application of CRISPR/Cas9 and multiplex automated genome engineering for precise genetic modifications, as well as metabolic flux analysis to optimize pathway efficiency. Additionally, the review discusses synthetic biology methodologies to rewire metabolic networks and improve biofuel yields, providing a comprehensive overview of current advancements and their implications for industrial-scale production.