Light harnessing by Algae: from fundamental investigations to light-based biotechnologies

Light is the most abundant source of energy on earth and is used by photosynthetic organisms to drive the synthesis of organic molecules. Light also allows the catalysis of few enzymes, the photoenzymes. Among them, the fatty acid photodecarboxylase (FAP) isolated from microalgae converts fatty acids into hydrocarbons. We present here our understanding of the role of hydrocarbons produced by FAP in vivo, the catalytic mechanism of the FAP and its potential biotechnological applications.