Recent advances in microbial production of medium chain fatty acid from renewable carbon resources: A comprehensive review

[Display omitted] •Two major MCFA production pathways and other supporting pathways are showcased.•Conventional and well-studied MCFA producers are categorized and characterized.•Engineering strategies to achieve highest MCFA production up to date are shown.•Key enzymes required to achieve highest MCFA production are summarized.•Future challenges and perspectives on microbial MCFA production are discussed. Microbial production of medium chain length fatty acids (MCFAs) from renewable resources is becoming increasingly important in establishing a sustainable and clean chemical industry. This review comprehensively summarizes current advances in microbial MCFA production from renewable resources. Detailed information is provided on two major MCFA production pathways using various renewable resources and other auxiliary pathways supporting MCFA production to help understand the fundamentals of bio-based MCFA production. In addition, conventional and well-studied MCFA producers are classified into two categories, natural and synthetic producers, and their characteristics on MCFA production are outlined. Moreover, various engineering strategies employed to achieve the highest MCFAs production up to date are showcased together with key enzymes suggested for MCFA overproduction. Finally, future challenges and perspectives are discussed towards more efficient production of bio-based MCFA production.