Innovations in the Cyanobacteria-Based Biorefineries for Biopharmaceutical Industries

The biopharmaceutical industry witnesses exceptional growth globally since their emergence. It revitalizes our ability to combat antimicrobial resistance by providing alternative treatment solutions to present-day lethal diseases. Currently, it is enduring sweeping changes due to resource limitations, climate change, and financial/regulatory constraints which compelled the researchers to focus on process-to-product innovation. Cyanobacteria are now envisioned as potential renewable raw materials for the biopharmaceutical industry due to their health-promoting metabolic profile. Currently, cyanobacteria have been part of pharmaceutical value chains as whole biomass or as single metabolite constituents. This chapter provides insight into the value proposition of cyanobacterial biorefinery for the biopharmaceutical industry by discussing the constraints and innovations in the processing route. Strain development through genetic engineering, selection of suitable cultivation modes, and sustainable processing of biomass through green chemicals are considered viable to leverage the maximum potential of cyanobacteria. Innovative technologies like industry 4.0-powered continuous photobioreactors and acoustic extraction of metabolites enable the implementation of a centralized cyanobacterial value chain for the biopharmaceutical industry. Encapsulation, immobilization, and transporter engineering pave the way for efficient product recovery in integrated mode. The discussed information provides the basis for the effective inclusion of cyanobacterial biorefinery in the biopharmaceutical industry.