Engineering metabolic flux for the microbial synthesis of aromatic compounds

Microbial cell factories have emerged as a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical synthesis and plant extraction methods for producing aromatic compounds. However, achieving economically viable production of these compounds in microbial systems remains a significant challenge. This review summarizes the latest advancements in metabolic flux regulation during the microbial production of aromatic compounds, providing an overview of its applications and practical outcomes. Various strategies aimed at improving the utilization of extracellular substrates, enhancing the efficiency of synthetic pathways for target products, and rewiring intracellular metabolic networks to boost the titer, yield, and productivity of aromatic compounds are discussed. Additionally, the persistent challenges in this field and potential solutions are highlighted.