Insulin production in Pichia pastoris: Mini-review of biotechnological advancements and process optimization

The synthesis of insulin using recombinant Pichia pastoris represents a significant advancement in biotechnology with profound implications for healthcare. This review explores the process of insulin production in P. pastoris. The selection of P. pastoris as a host organism for insulin production is discussed. The stages of insulin production, including gene cloning, vector construction, transformation, and expression, are outlined, emphasizing the importance of strain selection and optimization of fermentation conditions. The review also examines factors influencing insulin production, such as strain phenotype, fermentation media composition, and induction strategies. Additionally, the role of glycerol and methanol in fermentation for insulin production and the impact of temperature and pH on recombinant protein expression are elucidated. Overall, this review provides insights into the comprehensive approach required for achieving high-level insulin precursor production in P. pastoris, offering valuable guidance for further advancements in recombinant protein expression technology and healthcare biotechnology.