title: Efficient H2 production via Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
abstract: Molecular hydrogen (H(2)) obtained from biological sources provides an alternative to bulk chemical processes that is moving towards large-scale, economical generation of clean fuel for automotive engines. This opinion article examines recent improvements in H(2) production by wild and mutant strains of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii - the green microalga currently considered the best eukaryotic H(2) producer. Here, we review various aspects of genetic and metabolic engineering of C. reinhardtii, as well as of process engineering. Additionally, we lay out possible scenarios that would lead to more efficient research approaches in the near future, as part of a consistent strategy for sustainable biohydrogen supply.
authors.affiliation: Instituto Superior de Agronomia/Centro de Botânica Aplicada à Agricultura, Calçada da Tapada, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal.
authors.forename: Maria G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Esquível
authors.forename: Helena M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Amaro
authors.forename: Teresa S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Pinto
authors.forename: Pedro S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Fevereiro
authors.forename: F Xavier
authors.initials: FX
authors.lastname: Malcata
mesh_terms: D016825:Chlamydomonas reinhardtii / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000378:metabolism*; D060847:Metabolic Engineering; D053858:Metabolic Networks and Pathways; D009154:Mutation
chemical_list: D006859:Hydrogen