Genetic Engineering Strategies and Degradation of Pollutants Using Genetically Engineered Microorganisms (GEMs)

Abstract

AbstractTo keep the environment clean and safe, degradation of pollutants is a serious concern in the current scenario. Use of microorganisms in this regard is considered as a cost-effective and eco-friendly method. However, natural microorganisms have some limitations for degrading the harmful contaminants present in air, water, or soil. So, different enzymes have been expressed in microorganisms by genetic engineering. Such genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) are responsible for different degradative pathways like xenobiotics, heavy metals, organic molecules, etc. So far, different advanced molecular approaches (like rhizoremediation, protein engineering, metabolic engineering, etc.) and high-throughput studies (like metagenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, etc.) have been performed to know more about the activities of these organisms. The production of harmless GEMs and their application in biodegradation of pollutants are discussed in this chapter.KeywordsEnvironmental pollutionGenetic modificationGEMBioremediationHeavy metalOrganic pollutant