CRISPR-Cas Technology for Enhanced Phytoremediation
Madhusmita Barik, Animesh Pattnaik, Swayamprabha Sahoo, Rukmini Mishra, Jatindra Nath Mohanty
Abstract
Plants have the unique capacity to take up, translocate, and store heavy metals and metalloids from the environment, thus reducing their concentrations in contaminated sites. However, the efficiency of phytoremediation is often limited by the low metal tolerance and accumulation capacity of plants. Recent advancements in CRISPR-Cas technology have opened up new possibilities for improving the metal tolerance and uptake efficiency of plants. This technology allows for targeted and precise modifications of plant genomes, leading to the development of plants with enhanced metal tolerance, uptake, and accumulation capacity. In this chapter we extensively discuss the potential candidate genes that are mainly involved in the development of plants with enhanced metal tolerance, uptake, and accumulation. Mostly here we describe CRISPR-Cas-based gene modification in plants that can enhance the expression of metal transporters, chelating agents, and antioxidant enzymes, which can aid in the detoxification and accumulation of harmful metals and metalloids. The application of CRISPR-Cas technology in phytoremediation has the ability to develop the field by facilitating the development of plants that are better equipped to handle contaminated environments. With continued research and development, we may see the widespread adoption of this technology as a sustainable and effective solution for the remediation of polluted sites.