Microbiology, Metabolites and Biotechnology

Microbiology, Metabolites and Biotechnology

Simulation of Sustainable Amino Acid Recycling by Using a Cooperative Microbial Biosynthesis Pathway

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Division of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences & Research Center for Biosciences and Biotechnology (RCBB), University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
2 Division of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences & Research Center for Biosciences and Biotechnology (RCBB), University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract
Global protein dearth represents a major nutritional challenge, with profound consequences for physical health and neurodevelopment. Current protein supplements are costly and expensive, energy-intensive, and inaccessible to the populations most in need. In the present work, we propose a synthetic microbial consortium designed to recycle amino acids from cheap and abundant waste resources, including urea and plant-derived lipids. Our system integrates the photosynthetic algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa, each of them genetically engineered for complementary metabolic functions. Using COBRApy and MICOM simulations, we modelled amino acid biosynthesis, nitrogen fluxes, and growth stability within the consortium. The obtained data indicate that (i) N. crassa can efficiently convert excess urea into nitrate for transfer to algal cells, (ii) lipid-derived acetate serves as a robust carbon backbone for C. reinhardtii, and (iii) pathway engineering enables overproduction and secretion of the nine essential amino acids. Additionally, the incorporation of the red fluorescent protein Katushka in one algal strain allows optical monitoring of consortium balance and provides a regulatory mechanism via light modulation. We hope that a co-culture of C. reinhardtii and N. crassa can be engineered into a system for amino acid biosynthesis. The engineered metabolic cooperation can achieve stable flux partitioning while maintaining overall productivity.
Keywords
Subjects


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 01 October 2026