Jain et al. (2026): From Carbon Sinks to Biofactories: Next-Generation Microalgae Platforms for Sustainable Climate Mitigation

Kopal Jain, Kapila Kumar, Shashi Kumar and Prachi Nawkarkar, IN: Carbon Capture Science & Technology, https://doi.org/10.1007/s41742-026-01196-0

Despite the ability of traditional carbon capture methods, such as adsorption and absorption, to attain elevated CO₂ capture efficiencies (> 90%), their extensive implementation is constrained by significant energy demands and operational expenditures. Characteristics like enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and potential to effectively fix carbon, makes microalgae an appealing solution for reducing climate change. CO₂ concentrating mechanism (CCM) is the main mechanism through which carbon fixation occurs in microalgae. This review article discusses synthetic biology approaches for increasing carbon capture like overexpression of RuBisCO, modification of CCM enzymes, alteration of associated metabolic pathways or introducing other alternative carbon capture pathways into microalgae. The possibility of scaling-up these systems for industrial use is assessed, taking into account both financial and technological obstacles. Researchers are also focusing on the sustainable production of value-added products from microalgal biomass, contributing to carbon capture and utilisation (CCU). This article provides a detailed explanation of the production of biofuels, bioplastics, etc. from the microalgal biomass.

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