The ongoing progress in sequencing of algal genomes will permit annotation, comprehensive cloning and manipulation of genes, which altogether allow omics approaches to generate large-scale experimental datasets. This advancement will aid in identification of key regulators of metabolism and enables the eventual manip­ulation of cellular pathways. Synthetic biology combines the use of molecular tools with knowledge gained from systems level analysis of organisms to generate innovative experimental designs. For example, advances in long DNA synthesis make it possible to construct complex genetic circuits designed and informed by metabolic modeling and pathway analyses. With these advances, synthetic biolo­gists have made tremendous progress on the construction of genetic circuits and even entire chromosomes.

The majority of synthetic biology efforts are focused on microbes as many of the most pressing problems, such as sustainability in food and energy production ultimately rely on modification of microorganisms. As such, synthetic modifica­tions of algal strains to enhance desired physiological properties is likely needed to improve their productivity. There has been increasing efforts by synthetic biologists to push for the creation of accessible tools that would improve the potential of algal technology. With synthetic biology, still a young field, the future of this auspicious approach is clearly apparent. While much remains to be achieved to exploit the full potential of algae through various approaches, synthetic biology is likely to play a central role in this process in the coming years.

Acknowledgments Support for this work was provided by New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Institute grant G1205, NYUAD Research Enhancement Fund AD060, and NYUAD Faculty Research Funds; K. J. was supported through NYUAD Global Affiliate Fellow program; L. Y. was supported in part by NIH R01EB013584, DOD W81XWH-10-10327, and OCRF PPD/ BCM/01.12.