SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY ENGINEERING OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC PATHWAYS FOR INCREASED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY

Abstract

Background: We need to feed a growing population in a changing climate, which is putting huge pressure on our agricultural systems. However, the inherent efficiency of photosynthesis in crops is still limited by RuBisCO inefficiency, photorespiration loss and environmental stress factors, all of which lead to reductions in crop productivity and resource-use efficiency.

Objective: This study explores synthetic biology strategies to engineer photosynthesis for improved agricultural productivity and crop resilience.

Methods: To improve carbon fixation efficiency and photosynthesis energy losses, advanced synthetic biology strategies were applied, including CRISPR/Cas mediated genome editing, RuBisCO optimization, photorespiration bypass engineering and chloroplast metabolic redesign. Controlled environment studies were used to evaluate engineered crop models.

Findings: The engineered plants showed a 25–40% better carbon assimilation efficiency, 20–30% more biomass accumulation, and about 18–25% higher yield under heat and drought stress conditions than wild-type crops. The reduced photorespiration and the enhanced chloroplast performance contributed significantly to the improved physiological efficiency and stress tolerance.

Conclusion: Engineering of photosynthetic pathways through synthetic biology offers a promising strategy for improving crop productivity, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural development