Biosynthesis of conjugated linoleic acid: current status and future perspectives

Abstract Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has received much attention for its beneficial physiological effects, particularly anticancer and metabolic control activity. However, traditional sources rely on extraction and chemical synthesis, both of which are not commercially viable. This article descri...

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Main Authors: Lu Lin, Mei-Li Sun, Kaifeng Wang, Jian Gao, Xiao-Jun Ji, Quanyu Zhao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2025-07-01
Series:Bioresources and Bioprocessing
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40643-025-00911-7
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author Lu Lin
Mei-Li Sun
Kaifeng Wang
Jian Gao
Xiao-Jun Ji
Quanyu Zhao
author_facet Lu Lin
Mei-Li Sun
Kaifeng Wang
Jian Gao
Xiao-Jun Ji
Quanyu Zhao
author_sort Lu Lin
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has received much attention for its beneficial physiological effects, particularly anticancer and metabolic control activity. However, traditional sources rely on extraction and chemical synthesis, both of which are not commercially viable. This article describes the research progress on sustainable alternative biosynthesis methods for the production of CLA, which is an attractive approach for commercial production because of its high stereoselectivity and convenient purification process. Here, we offer a comprehensive review of the current state and research progress in the biosynthesis of CLA, including production strains, biosynthesis mechanisms and improvements in the biosynthesis of CLA by genetic engineering. Finally, future research directions for improving the biosynthesis of CLA are defined in the light of recent advances, barriers and trends in this field.
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series Bioresources and Bioprocessing
spelling doaj-art-aaaab2be1b3345d2845e67c7166e8e912025-08-20T04:01:42ZengSpringerOpenBioresources and Bioprocessing2197-43652025-07-0112111210.1186/s40643-025-00911-7Biosynthesis of conjugated linoleic acid: current status and future perspectivesLu Lin0Mei-Li Sun1Kaifeng Wang2Jian Gao3Xiao-Jun Ji4Quanyu Zhao5State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech UniversityState Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech UniversityState Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech UniversitySchool of Marine and Bioengineering, Yancheng Institute of TechnologyState Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech UniversitySchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech UniversityAbstract Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has received much attention for its beneficial physiological effects, particularly anticancer and metabolic control activity. However, traditional sources rely on extraction and chemical synthesis, both of which are not commercially viable. This article describes the research progress on sustainable alternative biosynthesis methods for the production of CLA, which is an attractive approach for commercial production because of its high stereoselectivity and convenient purification process. Here, we offer a comprehensive review of the current state and research progress in the biosynthesis of CLA, including production strains, biosynthesis mechanisms and improvements in the biosynthesis of CLA by genetic engineering. Finally, future research directions for improving the biosynthesis of CLA are defined in the light of recent advances, barriers and trends in this field.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40643-025-00911-7Conjugated Linoleic acidLinoleic acid isomeraseBiotransformationDe Novo biosynthesisSynthetic biology
spellingShingle Lu Lin
Mei-Li Sun
Kaifeng Wang
Jian Gao
Xiao-Jun Ji
Quanyu Zhao
Biosynthesis of conjugated linoleic acid: current status and future perspectives
Bioresources and Bioprocessing
Conjugated Linoleic acid
Linoleic acid isomerase
Biotransformation
De Novo biosynthesis
Synthetic biology
title Biosynthesis of conjugated linoleic acid: current status and future perspectives
title_full Biosynthesis of conjugated linoleic acid: current status and future perspectives
title_fullStr Biosynthesis of conjugated linoleic acid: current status and future perspectives
title_full_unstemmed Biosynthesis of conjugated linoleic acid: current status and future perspectives
title_short Biosynthesis of conjugated linoleic acid: current status and future perspectives
title_sort biosynthesis of conjugated linoleic acid current status and future perspectives
topic Conjugated Linoleic acid
Linoleic acid isomerase
Biotransformation
De Novo biosynthesis
Synthetic biology
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s40643-025-00911-7
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