Synthetic biology: pioneering the next bio revolution for a sustainable planet

Abstract

Background: The Earth is being pushed towards its ecological limits by the increasing pressure of human daily activities and the escalating threat of climate change, necessitating substantial global action to safeguard the sustainability of a habitable environment. Aim: The aim of this integrative review is to highlight the role of microbial synthetic biology (MicSynBio) in evolving a bio-based economy tackling life threatening challenges, including pollution, food security, energy demands, synthetic materials, infectious diseases, and climate change. It further indicates the developing trends, emerging innovations, technological integrations, and the challenges involved, while emphasizing the capability of MicSynBio in bringing sustainable changes. Methods: In our review, we consolidate discoveries from multidisciplinary studies, highlighting the transformative skills of MicSynBio in mimicking and enhancing natural systems for environmentally friendly solutions. By directing the transition towards a bio-based economy, synthetic biology (SynBio) demonstrates immense potential in transforming waste intensive industrial recycling into green processes. Results: SynBio contribution to pollution reduction (e.g. the use of bacterial species with genetically engineered luminescence genes in real-time pollutants examining), improved agriculture practices, bioenergy production (e.g. the utilization of engineered algae or heterotrophic microbes for direct biofuel production or biomass conversion), green synthesis of biomaterials, and drugs (e.g. engineering Aspergillus oryzae, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Escherichia coli to enhance scalability and sustainability of pharmaceuticals and bio-based materials), is specified by tangible case studies, (refer to supplementary materials Fig. S1 for graphical abstract). Furthermore, we address the safety concerns and legislative strategies needed for the responsible implementation of MicSynBio innovations in tackling climate change. Conclusion: Realizing the full potential of MicSynBio requires effective safety and ethical considerations and strong collaborations among academics, specialists, policymakers, and industry leaders. Impact Statement Synthetic biology (SynBio) stands at the frontline of innovative solutions, presenting transformative skills to address critical threats our planet. This review details the power of microbial synthetic biology (MicSynBio) in creating sustainable solutions for agriculture, drug discovery, carbon sequestration, and bioenergy production. It not only provides perceptions from multiple disciplines, but also recognizes life threating issues, outlining strategies to enhance the versatility and impact of SynBio applications, particularly MicSynBio. By doing so, our work serves as a vital resource for researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals, supporting evocative interactions and actionable strategies to accelerate progress towards the continuation of a liveable Earth.