초록
<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Isoprene is facing a growing global market due to its wide industrial applications. Current industrial production of isoprene is almost entirely petroleum-based, which is influenced by the shrinking C5 supply, while the natural emission of isoprene is predominantly contributed by plants. To bridge the need gap, a highly efficient fermentation-based process for isoprene production might be a suitable and sustainable solution, and extensive research works have been performed to achieve this goal. Here we review the accomplishments in this field by summarizing the history and prospects of microbial isoprene production. The natural producers and biosynthesis pathways of isoprene, the key enzyme isoprene synthase and the metabolic engineering strategies adopted for developing isoprene-producing microorganisms are introduced. In particular, strategies employed for achieving engineered strains with improved performance indices are discussed based on the published papers and patents. The perspectives on further performance improvements and potential future strategies are presented as well.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Isoprene synthase (ISPS) with satisfactory kinetics is key to isoprene biosynthesis. </LI> <LI> Introduction of plant ISPS allows microbial production of isoprene. </LI> <LI> Metabolic engineering strategies increase isoprene production in yeast and bacteria. </LI> <LI> Tools and strategies developed for synthesis of other isoprenoids are informative. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>