Emerging applications of Kluyveromyces marxianus in precision fermentation.

Abstract

Kluyveromyces marxianus is an emerging microbial cell factory characterized by rapid growth, strong thermo- and acid-tolerance, and broad substrate utilization, including second-generation feedstocks. Combined with substantial intraspecific genetic diversity and recent advances in genetic engineering tools, these traits position K. marxianus as a versatile chassis for sustainable bioproduction using precision fermentation. This review summarizes current progress in developing K. marxianus for production of bioethanol, organic acids, aroma compounds, and enzymes. We emphasize critical factors influencing process performance, including strain selection via high-throughput screening, fermentation setup, and key operational parameters such as temperature, pH, and oxygen supply. This perspective highlights both current achievements and the emerging opportunities for advancing K. marxianus as a robust industrial workhorse.