Microalgae-based biotechnology platforms are not yet equivalent to other platforms
used in biotechnology (bacteria, yeast, plant and animal cell cultures, plants etc.). For
their growth in harsh environments, they produce various metabolites that are
interesting for food industry as well as healthcare. Chloroplasts, which are specific for
plant cells and cyanobacteria, have great biotechnological potential and are
particularly interesting for transformation. Because of their evolution from previously
autonomous prokaryotic organism, their genome (plastome) is less complex and easier
to modify. This method of plastome transformation is used to obtain a wide specter of
recombinant proteins and other compounds. By homologous recombination, genes of
related microalgae or other organisms can be inserted into the plastome. One or more
genes can be inserted, in addition the already present metabolic pathways can be
modified. The diploma thesis also presents possible disadvantages of chloroplast
transformation and suggestions for improvements. Two cases are shown to present
successful transformation and production of industrially important phytase and
astaxantin.
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