Microbial lipids for a sustainable future: the growing potential of synthetic microbial engineering for consumer oils

Biologically derived consumer oils and lipids are critical for the manufacture of an extensive array of products, including food, nutraceuticals, plastics, animal feed, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and fuels. However, a significant growth in demand has led to an unsustainable dependence on resource-intensive crops, further exacerbating deforestation, eutrophication, and the destruction of natural habitats. The ascendency of synthetic biology offers new opportunities to harness the potential of microbes as sustainable sources of microbial lipids. Recent advances in synthetic yeast genomics and the development of automated biofoundries could help secure the future of the sustainable lipid-based oil industry. This article outlines novel approaches to implement a sustainable future of consumer oils and lipids, which may help the transition to a practical microbial biomanufacturing economy.