Metabolic engineering and synthetic biology for the environment: from perspectives of biodetection, bioremediation, and biomanufacturing
Tian Jiang, Veronica A. Montgomery, Karuna Jetty, Vijaydev Ganesan, Matthew R. Incha, John M. Gladden, Nathan J. Hillson, Di Liu
Abstract
Abstract Industrialization drives economic and technological advances, with chemical synthesis and extraction playing pivotal roles in enabling large-scale chemical production. However, the rapid expansion of industrialization has resulted in pervasive pollution, posing significant threats to human health and ecological systems. This pollution is characterized by the widespread presence of synthetic pollutants, detectable across diverse environments, underscoring the urgent need for robust monitoring and targeted remediation. Herein, we review recent advances in biosensor development for pollutant monitoring and microbial bioremediation for environmental restoration. Furthermore, we discuss the engineering of microorganisms to degrade and convert diverse feedstocks, including agriculture residues and waste streams, into valuable biofuels, biomaterials, and natural products. Collectively, these approaches support the economy by minimizing waste, reducing pollution, and promoting manufacturing.