Biosynthesis of Terpenoids: Mechanism, Engineering, and Industrialization

Terpenes, natural organic molecules composed of five-carbon units, display diverse biological activities and exist as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. In plants, they serve as pigments in photosynthesis, defensive compounds, and pollinator attractants. Terpenes also have applications in medicine, perfumes, pesticides, and biofuels. Research focuses on their biosynthetic mechanisms, involving enzymes like terpene synthases and cytochrome P450, which contribute to their structural diversity and functions. Advances in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering enable scientists to engineer microorganisms to boost terpene production and diversity. However, industrialization faces challenges like cost, purification, and scale-up. Terpene biosynthesis offers a sustainable approach, reducing fossil fuel dependence and promoting high-value compound production from renewable resources. Many terpenes have potent bioactivities, crucial for new drug development. This Research Topic covers research from biosynthetic mechanisms to industrial-scale production and Life Cycle Assessment(LCA)-techno-analysis of terpene production towards industrial-scale, providing a scientific foundation and technological innovations for terpene study and application.

In the research theme of "Biosynthesis of Terpenes: Mechanism, Engineering, and Industrialization" several key issues arise. A major challenge is enhancing terpene production efficiency and diversity via bioengineering. Advances in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering have allowed the modification of microorganisms like E. coli and yeast to boost terpene yields, but optimization of terpene synthase gene expression, precursor supply pathways, and intracellular metabolic fluxes is still required. Industrialization faces hurdles like high production costs, product purification difficulties, and scale-up challenges. To overcome these, focus should be on developing efficient bioreactors, optimizing fermentation conditions, cost reduction, and improving extraction and purification. Recent progress includes using advanced biotechnological tools to enhance terpene production and exploring new microbial hosts. Addressing these issues will pave the way for terpene commercialization, contribute to sustainable chemistry, and reduce fossil fuel dependence. Furthermore, terpene biosynthetic mechanism studies offer insights into new drug development, given their potent bioactivities like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. Innovative research and technological advancements will provide a solid scientific and technological foundation for terpene study and application.

The Research Topic, "Biosynthesis of Terpenes: Mechanisms, Engineering, and Industrialization," delves into terpenes, natural organic molecules composed of five-carbon units. Existing in forms like monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes, terpenes are vital in plants for photosynthesis, defense, and pollinator attraction. They also find applications in medicine, fragrances, pesticides, and biofuels. Contributions are sought on terpene biosynthesis, including enzymatic reactions by terpene synthases and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, which shape their structure and function. Manuscripts on bioengineering, like genetically modifying E. coli and yeast for higher terpene production, are welcomed. We also invite submissions on industrialization challenges and LCA-techno-analysis of terpene production towards industrial-scale, like cost, purification, and scale-up, as well as bioreactor development, fermentation optimization, and extraction techniques. Contributions on terpene biosynthesis's environmental impact and its potential as a new drug source due to its bioactivities, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, are encouraged. This Research Topic aims to provide a solid scientific foundation and technological innovations for terpene research and application.