Journal of Biology and Today's World

Synthetic Biology Approaches to Combatting Global Food Insecurity

Romy Iqbal^{* *}Correspondence: Romy Iqbal, Department of Biochemistry, University Hospital of Guadeloupe, Pointe a Pitre, France, Email:

Author info »

Description

Global food insecurity is an ongoing issue that affects millions of people worldwide, with factors such as climate change, population growth and limited agricultural resources exacerbating the problem. The problem of feeding a population that is always expanding requires creative solutions that may handle food quality and quantity. A possible tool for creating long-term plans to fight food insecurity is synthetic biology, a discipline that blends biology, engineering and technology. Synthetic biology provides novel methods for increasing food production, boosting nutritional value and creating resilient crops by creating and modifying organisms to suit certain requirements.

Synthetic biology can directly alleviate food insecurity by increasing agricultural yields and strengthening plants' resistance to environmental stresses. Even if traditional breeding techniques are effective, it sometimes takes several generations to generate desired features. On the other hand, more accurate modification of plant genomes through synthetic biology allows for quicker and more focused advancements. Synthetic biology-based agricultural genetic modification can bring features like disease, drought and insect tolerance, which pose serious risks to food supply in many areas. In order to minimize crop losses and the need for chemical pesticides, genetically modified crops, including Bt cotton and Bt maize, have been created to generate proteins that are poisonous to particular pests. Furthermore, genes that help crops resist environmental challenges like high temperatures and water shortages may be included thanks to synthetic biology. For instance, creating plants that can withstand drought can greatly boost food production in dry locations, promoting food security in places with unpredictable rainfall. To combat vitamin A deficiency, which impacts millions of children globally, golden rice, a genetically modified grain, was created. Genes from bacteria and daffodils are incorporated into golden rice to increase the grain's provitamin A (beta-carotene) content, which is then transformed into vitamin A when eaten. By engineering crops to contain larger concentrations of vital nutrients, a process known as biofortification, malnutrition may be decreased and public health may be enhanced. Likewise, crops that are high in proteins, vital fatty acids and other nutrients may be engineered by synthetic biology. Legumes like lentils and soybeans, for instance, can be modified to generate more readily digested proteins, hence correcting protein deficiencies in susceptible groups. Higher concentrations of micronutrients like iron, zinc and folate which are essential for growth, development and immune system function can also be included into crops. The burden of malnutrition worldwide may be considerably lessened by these biofortified crops.

Synthetic biology is not limited to traditional agriculture; it also offers innovative solutions for alternative food production systems that can help address food insecurity. One potential field is the creation of lab-grown meat, sometimes referred to as cultured meat or cell-based meat. This method of producing meat without the need of livestock husbandry entails cultivating animal cells in a controlled environment. With the potential to lessen greenhouse gas emissions, land usage and water consumption, this approach might make meat production a more sustainable way to feed the world's expanding population. By reducing the ethical and environmental issues related to traditional livestock production, this technology may be able to meet the growing need for animal protein. Furthermore, the creation of substitute protein sources, such plant-based meat alternatives or insect-based protein, might lessen dependency on conventional animal agriculture and diversify the world's food supply.

The loss or waste of almost one-third of the food produced worldwide makes food waste a serious problem. By enhancing food preservation techniques and creating new technologies for longer shelf life, synthetic biology can significantly contribute to the reduction of food waste. To stop food from spoiling, for instance, synthetic biology can be utilized to create microbes that naturally generate antioxidants or antimicrobials. By extending the shelf life of food, this might help cut down on waste and lessen the need for chemical preservatives, many of which have negative health consequences. Additionally, synthetic biology may help create biodegradable packaging materials that might take the place of plastic packaging, which frequently ends up in landfills or the ocean. Researchers might significantly lessen the environmental effect of food production and consumption by developing food packaging solutions that use microorganisms that can make biodegradable polymers.

Conclusion

The problems of global food insecurity can be effectively addressed with the help of synthetic biology. Synthetic biology has the ability to completely transform the world's food system, from creating crops with higher yields and nutritional value to creating new protein sources and cutting down on food waste. We can strive toward a future where food is plentiful, nourishing and sustainable for everyone by developing these technologies and making sure they are used responsibly.