Microbial production of alka(e)ne biofuels

•Fatty acid, aldehyde and acyl-CoA/ACP are major precursors for alka(e)ne synthesis.•Different metabolic strategies greatly affect alka(e)ne yield and properties.•Fatty acid metabolism is critical for alka(e)ne biosynthesis.•Choice of microbial platform is important for alka(e)ne biosynthesis.•Optimized culture condition is important for alka(e)ne generation.