SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY APPROACHES FOR ENHANCING MICROBIAL DEGRADATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS

Abstract

Synthetic biology has emerged as a transformative discipline in microbial biotechnology, enabling precise manipulation of microbial systems for environmental applications. Environmental pollution caused by industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and urban waste has intensified the need for efficient and sustainable remediation strategies. This paper explores how synthetic biology tools—such as genome editing, pathway engineering, and modular genetic circuits—enhance microbial degradation of organic and inorganic pollutants. It discusses the design of engineered microbial strains, synthetic consortia, and biosensors to monitor and accelerate pollutant breakdown. The study highlights achievements in bioremediation of hydrocarbons, heavy metals, pesticides, and plastics while addressing challenges such as ecological risks, regulatory barriers, and scalability. Future perspectives emphasize integrative approaches combining synthetic biology, omics technologies, and bioinformatics to achieve robust and safe environmental remediation.