Engineering cyanobacteria for the production of isoprene and other terpenoids has
gained increasing attention in the field of biotechnology. Several studies have addressed
optimization of isoprene synthesis in cyanobacteria via enzyme and pathway engineering.
However, only little attention has been paid to the optimization of cultivation conditions.
In this study, an isoprene-producing strain of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and two
control strains were grown under a variety of cultivation conditions. Isoprene production,
as quantified by modified membrane inlet mass spectrometer (MIMS) and interpreted
using Flux Balance Analysis (FBA), increased under violet light and at elevated temperature.
Increase of thermotolerance in the isoprene producer was attributed to the physical
presence of isoprene, similar to plants. The results demonstrate a beneficial effect
of isoprene on cell survival at higher temperatures. This increased thermotolerance
opens new possibilities for sustainable bio-production of isoprene and other products.
