Table 2 Comparison of yield, benefits and limitations in the heterologous producers of coenzyme Q10
Host | Bacteria (E. coli) | Yeast (S. cerevisiae) | Plants |
|---|---|---|---|
Yield | 0.45–3.63 mg/g DCW | 12.3 µg/g DCW | Not used |
Suitability for human consumption | No | Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) | Yes |
Produced CoQ10 proposed to serve as direct dietary supplement | |||
Fast growth | Yes | Yes | No |
Dependency on harvesting time | |||
Extensive knowledge and tool-kit available for genetic, metabolic, protein engineering | Yes | Yes | No |
Cultivation/culture density | High | High | Low |
Require large plot of arable land | |||
Mixed chain length products produced and increase cost of purification of CoQ10 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Inability to sidestep metabolic bottlenecks to induce high production level | Yes | Yes | Yes |