Terpenoids are enormous and different types of naturally occurring metabolites playing an important role in industrial applications. Cost-effective and sustainable production of terpenoids at commercial scale is the big challenge because of its low abundance from their natural sources. Metabolic and genetic engineering in microorganisms provide the ideal platform for heterologous overexpression protein systems. The photosynthetic green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is considered as a model host for the production of economic and sustainable terpenoids, but the regulation mechanism of their metabolisms is still unclear. In this study, we have investigated the genetic and metabolic synthetic engineering strategy of MYB transcriptional factors (MYB TFs) in terpenoids’ synthesis from C. reinhardtii for the first time. We heterologous overexpressed MYB TFs, specifically SmMYB36 from Salvia miltiorrhiza in C. reinhardtii. MYB upregulated the key genes involved in the 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway. Expression of the SQS gene, which is involved in the downstream triterpenoid synthesis pathway, highly accumulated in MYB-overexpression lines of C. reinhardtii. The contents of squalene increased about 90.20 μg/g in MYB-overexpressed lines. Our results propose the rerouting of the carbon flux toward the biosynthesis of triterpenoids upon overexpression of MYB TFs in C. reinhardtii. Our study suggests imperative novel understandings into the regulation mechanisms of C. reinhardtii triterpenoid metabolism through MYB TFs in photosynthetic green microalgae C. reinhardtii. The role of MYB TFs is investigated for the first time in C. reinhardtii, and provides a prodigious potential for recognizing important transcriptional regulators of the MEP pathway as goals for prospective metabolic and genetic manipulation investigation for increased production of triterpenoids.

The intensification of shrimp aquaculture is crucial for global food security, but poses significant environmental challenges. This review critically assesses the strengths and bottlenecks of two main treatment paradigms: in situ systems, chiefly biofloc technology (BFT), and advanced ex situ systems, such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs), constructed wetlands (CWs), and membrane bioreactors (MBRs). Although BFT enables nutrient recycling, it suffers from nitrate accumulation and a high energy demand. Likewise, ex situ technologies can achieve a high treatment efficiency, but contend with high costs, large footprints, or membrane fouling. In this review, we propose the strategic integration of microalgae, representing a universal and synergistic solution for overcoming these disparate bottlenecks. We dissect how a microalgal co-culture can simultaneously remove nitrate and reduce the aeration costs in BFT systems. Furthermore, we explore how microalgae-based units can serve as efficient polishing steps for RASs, enhance the performance of CWs, and mitigate fouling in MBRs. This review delves into the fundamental mechanisms of the microalgal–bacterial symbiosis that underpins these enhancements. Finally, we highlight the valorization of the resulting algal biomass as a high-value aquafeed ingredient, which can transform waste management into a value-creation opportunity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive roadmap for developing next-generation, microalgae-enhanced aquaculture systems.