Building on the Modular Cloning (MoClo) framework for Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, we demonstrated that this photosynthetic chassis can be used as a flexible host for recombinant protein production. Using MoClo, we successfully expressed and secreted single-chain variable fragment (scFv) derived from Cetuximab and others like Trastuzumab, showing that Chlamydomonas is a sustainable alternative to mammalian cell cultures. Read more
This approach enables rapid exchange of secretion signals, affinity tags, and other functional modules, allowing tailored production of proteins for research, diagnostics, and industry. Beyond antibodies, the same strategy can be applied to enzymes, reporter proteins, or metabolic regulators. Importantly, our work also showed that non-patented Chlamydomonas strains are transformable and capable of secretion, ensuring accessibility without licensing restrictions.
In practical terms, this system offers applications on several levels:
Ultimately, our goal is to establish Chlamydomonas MoClo as a universal, modular platform for recombinant protein production, providing a greener, open, and scalable alternative to conventional cell factories. Read more
While our current results highlight the immediate applications of Chlamydomonas MoClo for recombinant protein production, our long-term vision is to expand this system into a widely adopted and industrially relevant platform. Building on our proof of concept and functionality, future work will focus on improving secretion efficiency, scaling up cultivation processes, and extending the portfolio of proteins produced.
We do not limit this approach to scFvs from Cetuximab. Our goal is to establish a system that can flexibly produce a wide range of proteins, from additional antibody fragments to enzymes and other high-value biomolecules. By integrating optimized secretion signals, regulatory modules, and modular genetic parts, Chlamydomonas can evolve into a truly customizable and predictable expression system.
In the broader perspective, we envision Chlamydomonas being adopted by research facilities and industries striving for sustainability. As laboratories increasingly seek Green Lab certifications, the use of a photosynthetic host that grows with CO₂, light, and simple nutrients provides a measurable step toward environmentally responsible biotechnology.
Ultimately, our future vision is a biotechnology landscape where Chlamydomonas reinhardtii stands alongside established expression systems as a green, cost-efficient, and accessible platform, enabling the production of diverse recombinant proteins that are not only innovative but also aligned with global sustainability goals. Read more