Efficient H2 production via Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Molecular hydrogen (H2) 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 H2 production by wild and mutant strains of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii – the green microalga currently considered the best eukaryotic H2 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.