A comprehensive analysis and exploration of the recent developments in the utilization of genetically modified microorganisms for the remediation of hazardous dye pollutants

Abstract

Innovative and effective remediation techniques are required with regard to growing environmental concerns on hazardous dye pollutants emitted by the textile industries. The review explores on the recent developments in utilization of genetically modified organisms (GMO) for the dye removal. Through improved capacities and specificities towards dye pollutants, genetically modified organisms present a potential strategy towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 6 of the UN, focused on clean water and sanitation. The key findings show that genetic engineering methods, including recombinant DNA (rDNA) and CRISPR-Cas9 technologies, can increase the capacity of bacteria to degrade, metabolize, or immobilize dye pollutants, improving degradation efficiency from around 7%–65%. The enzymatic processes are identified as the primary mechanisms involved in dye compound degradation by genetically engineered microbes. The review emphasizes the use of genetic approaches for dye degradation, co-cultivation with native microbial communities, optimizing operational parameters like pH, temperature, and nutrient availability, and omics technologies for a deeper understanding of metabolic networks and regulatory mechanisms with the aim of leading future genetic advancements in dye remediation. The review discusses the practical feasibility and environmental safety challenges of using genetically engineered microbes in sustainable dye remediation, highlighting limitations and future insights.