Conclusions
In pursuit of improved nutraceutical agents, inexpensive protein therapeutics, and advanced biofuels, the inherently useful capacities of microalgae will only be enhanced by genetic and metabolic engineering. Recognizing the importance of these molecular approaches, the field of microalgal biotechnology merits a continued investment of resources both in the basic and applied sciences in this emerging area. The rapid sequencing of algal genomes will facilitate the cloning and manipulation of genes and allow the power of -omics technologies (e.g. genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) to be applied. For example, transcriptome analysis can identify key regulators of metabolism and enable the eventual manipulation of cellular pathways. Advances in genetic transformation techniques will permit ever more sophisticated forms of metabolic network engineering to be accomplished. In conjunction with the development of transgenic algae, methods to protect against unintended environmental consequences will be required. These mechanisms may include containment considerations in photobioreactor design and incorporation of suicide genes in the engineered organism. Ultimately, microalgae offer the potential to have a profound impact on the future welfare of the planet by addressing the pressing issues of alternative energy resources, global warming, human health, and food security.