Sustainable Agriculture Research Articles

Essential roles of nodule cysteine-rich peptides in maintaining the viability of terminally differentiated bacteroids in legume-rhizobia symbiosis.

Investigations into the nitrogen-fixing symbiosis between legumes and rhizobia can yield innovative strategies for sustainable agriculture. Legume species of the Inverted Repeat-Lacking Clade (IRLC) and the Dalbergioids, can utilize nodule cysteine-rich (NCR) peptides, a diverse family of peptides characterized by four or six highly conserved cysteine residues, to communicate with their microbial symbionts. These peptides, many of which exhibit antimicrobial properties, induce profound differentiation of bacteroids (semi-autonomous forms of bacteria) within nodule cells. This terminal differentiation endows the bacteroids with the ability to fix nitrogen, at the expense of their reproductive capacity. Notably, a significant number of NCR peptides is expressed in the nodule fixation zone, where the bacteroids have already reached terminal differentiation. Recent discoveries, through forward genetics approaches, have revealed that the functions of NCR peptides extend beyond antimicrobial effects and the promotion of differentiation. They also play a critical role in sustaining the viability of terminally differentiated bacteroids within nodule cells. These findings underscore the multifaceted functions of NCR peptides and highlight the importance of these peptides in mediating communications between host cells and the terminally differentiated bacteroids.

Green Pak Choi is better in suitable environment but the purple ones more resist to drought and shading

BackgroundStudying how economic vegetable adapt to stressful environment is important not only for plant biology application but also to agronomy. In this study, we selected two commonly used genotypes of pak choi, i.e., larger green pak choi (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis) and smaller purple pak choi (Brassica rapa var. chinensis, ‘Rubi F1’) to examine the divergent response of the two genotypes to drought and shading in the semi-arid region of Xinjiang. We compared the differences in biomass accumulation and plant morphological traits of the two pak choi in response to the interaction effects of drought (55-70% of field water capacity) and shading (24% reduction of canopy light radiation).ResultsThe results showed drought and shading significantly reduced the aboveground and belowground biomass of the two pak choi, with a particularly pronounced decrease in shoot biomass under the combined effect of shading + drought. The decline in shoot biomass was mostly resulted from decreasing in the number of leaves rather than in plant height and crown width in response to drought and shading. In terms of morphological traits, green pak choi sensitively responded to increased drought and shading, with aboveground biomass mostly determined by leaf number and root mass. In contrast, purple pak choi likely more resistant to the stressful environment, as its aboveground biomass was also influenced by plant height and crown width.ConclusionsHence it is important to consider not only the effects of drought but also the role of adequate light, which plays a key part in promoting the cultivation and growth of pak choi in stressful environments. The research and application of plant biology and agronomy in the region also need to consider the diversity of key economic plants to promote sustainability of vegetable farming in adapting to changing environmental stresses.

Assessing the Impacts of New Quality Productivity on Sustainable Agriculture: Structural Mechanisms and Optimization Strategies—Empirical Evidence from China

New quality productivity (N) in China is examined as a key driver for enhancing innovation and promoting sustainable development, with a focus on its structural framework in agriculture across three primary dimensions: New Quality Agricultural Laborers (NQL), New Quality Agricultural Labor Inputs (NQLI), and New Quality Agricultural Production Inputs (NQPI). This study aims to explore the relationship between new quality productivity and sustainable agriculture in China, analyzing its impact mechanisms and optimization strategies using data from 30 provincial-level regions between 2012 and 2021. Initially, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) is employed to identify the specific structural relationships influencing NQP. The Outer Loadings TOPSIS (OL-TOPSIS) method quantifies the contributions of each construct in NQP research across China’s agricultural functional zones. The combined IPMA (cIPMA) model is developed to analyze the necessary conditions, thereby formulating specific optimization strategies. The results indicate that, within the structural framework, the overall NQP construct indicators have a significant impact on promoting sustainable agricultural development. Furthermore, locational analysis reveals that each region exhibits a trend of stability and continuous optimization. In the necessity analysis, both NQL (0.378) and NQLI (0.329) meet the required conditions, and NQPI (0.143) does not satisfy the necessity conditions, necessitating prioritized actions.

Innovative Blade and Tine Push Weeder for Enhancing Weeding Efficiency of Small Farmers

Sustainable agriculture is central to addressing the difficulties farmers face, such as a lack of manpower, high input prices, and environmental effects from the widespread use of chemical herbicides. In farming, eliminating unwanted plants from crops is a laborious task crucial for enhancing sustainable crop yield. Traditionally, this process is carried out manually globally, utilizing tools such as wheel hoes, sickles, chris, powers, shovels, and hand forks. However, this manual approach is time-consuming, demanding in terms of labor, and imposes significant physiological strain, leading to premature operator fatigue. In response to this challenge, blade and tine-type push weeders were developed to enhance weeding efficiency for smallholder farmers. When blade and tine push weeders are pushed between the rows of crops, the front tine blade of the trolley efficiently uproots the weeds, while the straight blade at the back pushes the uprooted weeds. This dual-action mechanism ensures effective weed elimination by both uprooting and clearing the weeds without disturbing the crops. The blade and tine-type push weeders demonstrated actual and theoretical field capacities of 0.020 ha/h and 0.026 ha/h, achieving a commendable field efficiency of 85%. The weeders exhibited a cutting width ranging from 30 to 50 mm, a cutting depth between 250 and 270 mm, a draft of 1.8 kg, a weeding efficiency of 78%, and a plant damage rate of 2.7%. The cost of weeding was 2108 INR/ha for the green pea crop.

Noncoding RNAs as Tools for Advancing Translational Biology in Plants.

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), once considered the "dark matter" of the genome, have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression in plants. Research initially focused on model organisms has laid the groundwork for harnessing the potential of ncRNAs in agriculture, particularly for crop protection, improvement and modulation. This review explores the role of long and small ncRNAs in plant biology, highlighting their application as powerful tools in agricultural biotechnology. We examine the latest strategies for ncRNA expression and delivery in crops, including transgenic and non-transgenic approaches, as well as emerging technologies that enable precise and efficient modulation of gene activity in plants and pathogens. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in the regulation of RNA-based products, addressing the challenges and opportunities for integrating these innovations into sustainable agricultural practices. As the regulatory landscape evolves, understanding the safety, efficacy, and environmental impact of ncRNA-based technologies will be crucial for their successful deployment. By leveraging the advances in plant science research, long and small ncRNAs hold promise for designing highly specific tools to boost crop productivity while preserving genetic diversity, contributing to global food security and sustainable agriculture.

ASM and the UN SDG Publishers Compact: year one

ABSTRACT The United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) represent an important set of global priorities, addressing the most urgent environmental, economic, and social challenges facing humankind. The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) signed the UN SDG Publishers Compact in March 2024, to lend its voice to this vital initiative, as indeed not only do the SDGs align with ASM’s mission but microbes themselves can play significant roles in, for example, sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and human health. In its first year as a signatory, ASM has pursued, published, and highlighted sustainability-focused work in its journals, has raised awareness through internal efforts and joint efforts with other scientific organizations, and has prioritized the SDGs in its conferences and other programs. We commemorate our achievements in this first year and look forward to future initiatives, innovations, and collaborations toward a sustainable future.

Sustainable farming management: key factors and impact on paddy yields in Malaysia’s granary areas

The paddy farmer’s performance and ability to improve productivity are driven by their level of farm management practices. Knowledge on the nature and level of sustainable farm management (SFM) practiced provides opportunities for supporting the competitive advantages of paddy farmers to sustainably break away from the poverty cycle. Little attention has been given to measuring the performance and impact of SFM on the improvement of paddy farmers livelihoods in Malaysia. Without understanding SFM, it is difficult to make policies and provide targeted, impactful support to paddy farmers. This study aims to evaluate the level of Sustainable Farming Management (SFM) among paddy farmers by applying the Sustainable Farm Management Index (SFMI), in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Rice Check (RC) by the Department of Agriculture. Additionally, it seeks to analyze the key factors and their impact on enhancing paddy yield in Malaysia’s main granary areas. A set of structured questionnaire was designed to capture the eleven elements of farming practices based on the RC and was then distributed to 500 paddy farmers in Malaysia’s main granary areas, namely Muda Agriculture Development Authority (MADA), Kemubu Agriculture Development Authority (KADA), and Integrated Agriculture Development Authority Barat Laut Selangor (IAD-BLS). Each practice was given a score to determine whether the guidelines were followed. The index ranges from 0 to 100, with 0 being unsustainable and 100 being highly sustainable. A multiple regression analysis was employed as well to estimate the effects of SFM adoption on farmer livelihoods. The findings show that adopting SFM has a positive and significant effect on farmers’ livelihoods. The paper therefore recommends that farmers should be educated on the importance of sustainable farming practices, as this is essential for the sustainable livelihood development of the poor farmers who rely on government subsidies.

Optimizing Water–Fertilizer Coupling Across Different Growth Stages of Tomato in Yellow Sand Substrate: Toward Enhanced Yield, Quality, and Resource Use Efficiency

The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is widely cultivated in yellow sand substrate-based systems in Northwest China, contributing significantly to regional agriculture. However, suboptimal water and fertilizer management hinders the balanced optimization of yield, fruit quality, and resource efficiency. In this two-year solar greenhouse experiment (2023–2024), we employed a four-factor, three-level orthogonal design [L9(34)] to examine three irrigation regimes—full irrigation (FI 100% of crop evapotranspiration, [ETc]), mild deficit irrigation (DIM 75% ETc), and severe deficit irrigation (DIS 50% ETc)—in combination with staged fertilizer applications at the seedling, flowering/fruit-set, and peak-fruit stages. A multi-objective decision-making framework, integrating an improved entropy weight method with a virtual-ideal-solution-based TOPSIS model, was established to address the complexity of water–fertilizer interactions. The results indicated that irrigation amount (IA) was the primary determinant of yield and water use efficiency (WUE), followed by fertilizer application in the second stage (FII). For fruit quality indices (moisture content, vitamin C (VC), lycopene (LC), soluble sugars (SSs), and soluble solids content (SSC)), IA remained the most influential factor, followed by FIII, FII, and FI; IA also had the largest impact on fruit hardness (Hd), soluble protein (SP), and titratable acidity (TA). An integrated scoring analysis revealed that treatment T5 achieved the highest yield, WUE, and partial factor productivity (PFP), whereas T7 excelled in fruit quality (VC, LC, SSC, and SP). Moreover, TOPSIS confirmed T5 as the optimal water–fertilizer strategy to achieve high yield, improved quality, and efficient resource utilization. Overall, these findings underscore a robust approach for optimizing water–fertilizer coupling in tomato cultivation under yellow sand substrate conditions, thereby enhancing resource use efficiency, promoting sustainable greenhouse agriculture in arid regions, and contributing to national water-saving and yield-increasing priorities.

Menthol in Livestock: Unveiling Its Multifaceted Properties and Future Potential for Sustainable Agriculture

Menthol in Livestock: Unveiling Its Multifaceted Properties and Future Potential for Sustainable Agriculture

Empowering Precise Crop Recommendation System by Accompanying Tree Covariance Matrix-Parallel Random Forest Classifier

Transformation in crop management systems, particularly in creating an environment that gives rise to sustainable farming, is achieved due to innovation and the advancement of modernized agricultural technology. Anyhow, meeting the increasing food demand is one of the great challenges that stand in front of the farmers. By taking into account, factors like soil, climate, and seasonality, the crop recommendation system plays a central role in providing customized guidance to the farmers. Current crop recommendation models are often confined by a paucity of feature selection, spatial-temporal integration shortfalls, and a finite amount of decision-tree diversity. All these shortfalls retrain their scalability and accuracy. To overcome the aforementioned blocks, an innovative framework is projected that includes the Best Incremental Random Subset (BIRS) feature selection method for choosing the best features and the Parallel Random Forest (PRF) -Tree Covariance Matrix model (PRF-TCM) encourages decision-tree diversity, permitting more accurate and efficient crop recommendations. Experimental results reveal that the proposed framework outperforms existing models with accuracy (89.7), precision (88.6), and recall (87.5). The framework shows significant improvements over current models, responsible for more viable agricultural practices.

Eco-Efficient Fertilizer Optimization for Enhanced Crop Productivity using Random Forest Algorithm

Agricultural productivity is crucial for global food security, and optimizing fertilizer usage is a key factor in enhancing crop yield while maintaining environmental sustainability. This study proposes an eco-efficient fertilizer optimization model using the Random Forest algorithm, a powerful machine learning technique, to improve fertilizer application strategies. The model analyzes various soil properties, crop requirements, and environmental factors to predict the optimal fertilizer composition and quantity. By leveraging historical agricultural data, the algorithm identifies patterns that lead to increased crop productivity with minimal environmental impact. The proposed approach enhances efficiency by reducing excessive fertilizer use, mitigating soil degradation, and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Experimental results demonstrate that the model outperforms traditional fertilizer application methods by improving yield prediction accuracy and resource utilization. This research provides a data-driven framework for precision agriculture, ensuring sustainable farming practices and enhanced food production.

Exploring Plant Resilience Through Secondary Metabolite Profiling: Advances in Stress Response and Crop Improvement.

The metabolome, encompassing small molecules within organisms, provides critical insights into physiology, environmental influences, and stress responses. Metabolomics enables comprehensive analysis of plant metabolites, uncovering biomarkers and mechanisms underlying stress adaptation. Regulatory genes such as MYB and WRKY are central to secondary metabolite synthesis and environmental resilience. By integrating metabolomics with genomics, researchers can explore stress-related pathways and advance crop improvement efforts. This review examines metabolomic profiling under stress conditions, emphasizing drought tolerance mechanisms mediated by amino acids and organic acids. Additionally, it highlights the shikimate pathway's pivotal role in synthesizing amino acids and secondary metabolites essential for plant defense. These insights contribute to understanding metabolic networks that drive plant resilience, informing strategies for agricultural sustainability.

Mechanism and Modulation of Photoreceptor Dynamics in Plant Light Sensing

Light serves as the main environmental cue for plants, and they use photoreceptors to detect and respond to variations in light intensity. Plants can maximize growth, development, and survival by use of photoreceptor proteins, which include phytochromes, cryptochromes, and phototropins. These proteins mediate responses to red, blue, and UV light. Such photoreceptors go through conformational changes upon absorbing light, which trigger signalling cascades and gene expression alterations. A key aspect of this process is the dynamic regulation of photoreceptor activity, ensuring that plants can fine-tune their responses to fluctuating light conditions. Mechanisms such as receptor degradation, reversible phosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and interactions with other signalling proteins modulate photoreceptor function, contributing to the precise control of downstream responses. Plants are able to adapt variations in light levels and seasons because environmental factors have an impact on photoreceptor dynamics, including light intensity, duration, and wavelength composition. Also, recent research has highlighted the control of photoreceptor stability and signalling efficacy by post-translational modifications and protein-protein interactions. Recognizing these dynamic mechanisms is crucial for comprehending how plants integrate connection between light signals and other environmental indicators, like water supply and temperature. Modulating photoreceptor dynamics presents opportunities for improving crop productivity and resilience. By unravelling the molecular underpinnings of light sensing, scientists can potentially manipulate photoreceptor activity to optimize growth in suboptimal light environments, providing strategies for agricultural sustainability in the context of climate change. This review examines the latest developments in plant light sensing mechanisms and photoreceptor dynamics regulation, as well as the wider implications for plant biology.

An Examination of the Effectiveness of CDF on Youth-Led Empowerment Agricultural Projects: A Study of Young Farmers’ Clubs in Monze

This study examines the effectiveness of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in empowering youth-led agricultural projects, specifically focusing on Young Farmers’ Clubs in Monze Constituency, Zambia. The research aims to evaluate how these youth-led initiatives access CDF resources, assess the impact of CDF on the success and sustainability of their projects, and identify challenges faced by young farmers in leveraging this funding mechanism. Using a mixed-methods approach, data was collected through surveys, interviews, and document reviews involving stakeholders such as club members, local government officials, and agricultural extension officers. Preliminary findings suggest that while CDF has facilitated access to resources like inputs, equipment, and training, issues like delays in fund disbursement, limited stakeholder engagement, and inadequate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms persist. The study aims to provide recommendations for policy adjustments and strategic interventions to optimize CDF’s impact on youth-led agricultural development in Monze. Test cases included assessing the efficiency of CDF fund disbursement, stakeholder involvement in the process, and the overall sustainability of youth-led agricultural projects, thereby contributing to improving rural youth participation in sustainable agriculture through targeted financial support mechanisms like CDF. Recommendations include strengthening participatory decision-making processes, improving fund allocation transparency, and providing capacity-building programs tailored to youth needs. This research contributes to understanding the role of decentralized funding mechanisms in empowering youth in agriculture and offers insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and development practitioners aiming to optimize the impact of CDF on rural development.

The Interplay between Diabetes and Malnutrition in Rural Uganda: Pathophysiology, Challenges, and Interventions

The coexistence of diabetes mellitus and malnutrition in rural Uganda presents a significant public health challenge. Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes (T2D), has emerged as a growing concern in sub-Saharan Africa, including rural Uganda, where it often overlaps with malnutrition, manifesting as both undernutrition (e.g., protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies) and overnutrition (e.g., obesity and excessive consumption of processed foods). This review explores the pathophysiology of the diabetes-malnutrition nexus, emphasizing how undernutrition exacerbates insulin resistance and glucose dysregulation, while overnutrition contributes to obesity and chronic inflammation, further complicating diabetes management. The healthcare challenges in rural Uganda, including limited access to care, high costs of medications, and low levels of health literacy, exacerbate these dual burdens. The review discusses potential interventions, such as community-based strategies, sustainable agriculture, biofortification, and policy reforms aimed at strengthening healthcare services and improving nutrition. Future research needs to focus on affordable dietary interventions, long-term effects of malnutrition on diabetes progression, and cost-effective management strategies. A coordinated, multi-pronged approach that includes education, improved healthcare infrastructure, and culturally tailored nutritional support is essential for managing diabetes and malnutrition in rural Uganda. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes, malnutrition, undernutrition, overnutrition, rural Uganda.

Soil Test Crop Response-Based Fertilizer Application Improves Soil Fertility and Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) Productivity Grown After Direct-Seeded Rice in Mollisols of Northern India

ABSTRACT Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) based fertilizer recommendation aids in precise fertilizer application, which is tailored to soil and crop needs, thereby increasing yield and saving inputs. Moreover, validation of STCR approach ensures these recommendations are reliable, promoting sustainable farming practices. Thus, field experiments were conducted during 2017 to 2019 with the objectives to develop and validate STCR-based fertilizer prescription equations for targeted yields of wheat grown after direct-seeded rice under both chemical fertilizer alone and integrated plant nutrient supply (IPNS) conditions. Results revealed that 2.16 kg, 0.447 kg, and 2.29 kg of N, P, and K was required to produce 1 Mg of wheat grain, respectively. The contributions of N, P, and K from various sources were, 12.02%, 14.82%, and 11.00% from soil, 12.83%, 19.48%, and 35.07% from applied farmyard manure (FYM), 53.54%, 60.24%, and 231.84% from fertilizers, and 60.26%, 70.66%, and 275.41% from fertilizers + FYM, respectively. The STCR approach, whether applied with or without FYM, significantly enhanced grain yield for both target yields of 4.0 Mg ha−1 and 4.5 Mg ha−1. The increments were to the tune of 28.6% and 39.3% with inorganic approach, and 21.1% to 31.1% with the integrated approach, compared to the general recommended dose (GRD). Additionally, the STCR method exhibited higher uptake of NPK and its use efficiencies, as well as better profitability than the GRD. Thus, the STCR-targeted yield approach, whether inorganic or integrated, has the potential to improve yield, economic returns, and nutrient use efficiency for wheat crops grown in Mollisols of Northern India.

Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Health and Yield of Mungbean: A Review

Sustainable agriculture is increasingly recognized as a vital strategy to combat soil pollution and degradation, particularly in the face of climate change. This review highlights Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) as an effective approach that combines both inorganic and organic fertilizers to enhance soil health and boost crop productivity. Key components of INM, including Nano DAP, vermiwash, vermicompost and traditional fertilizers, have been examined for their impact on mungbean growth and yield. The integration of these fertilizers not only improves soil fertility but also enhances nutrient uptake, which is crucial for adapting to fluctuating climate conditions. By fostering a balance between organic and inorganic inputs, INM supports sustainable agricultural practices that can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on food security. To determine the “Impact of integrated nutrient management (nano dap, vermiwash, vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer) on soil health and mungbean yield,” 41 research papers were examined. This particular review paper read and explained the results from all the reviews. In conclusion, adopting INM strategies represents a promising path forward for sustainable agriculture. These practices not only promote high crop productivity but also contribute to long-term soil health, thereby addressing the challenges posed by climate change and soil degradation. As we move forward, the continued exploration and implementation of INM can play a pivotal role in creating resilient agricultural systems that ensure food security while preserving our environmental resources for future generations. By investing in such sustainable practices, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and productive agricultural landscape.

Synergistic Effects of Agroforestry on Carbon Sequestration and Climate Adaptation: A Comprehensive Review

The synergistic effects of agroforestry on carbon sequestration and climate adaptation strategies, emphasizing its role in sustainable agriculture and land management. Agroforestry plays a important role in climate change mitigation and adaptation by integrating trees, crops, and livestock to enhance carbon sequestration, improve soil health, and increase ecosystem resilience. A systematic analysis of recent literature from journals and policy reports to evaluate the impact of agroforestry on carbon sequestration and climate adaptation. Agroforestry systems, including agrisilviculture, silvopasture, and agrosilvopastoral practices, contribute significantly to carbon sequestration through aboveground biomass accumulation, root carbon storage, and soil organic matter enhancement. The ability of agroforestry to mitigate climatic extremes, such as droughts, extreme temperatures, and soil erosion, underscores its importance in enhancing agricultural resilience. The adoption of agroforestry-based carbon sequestration strategies is supported by international climate policies, including the Paris Agreement, REDD+, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while financial mechanisms such as carbon trading and payment for ecosystem services (PES) offer incentives for farmers. Despite its benefits, agroforestry faces barriers such as policy fragmentation, high implementation costs, and the need for standardized carbon measurement methodologies. Technological advancements, including genetic improvement of tree species, precision farming, and climate-smart agroforestry strategies, present opportunities to enhance its effectiveness. Future research should focus on multidisciplinary approaches integrating remote sensing, soil science, and socioeconomic analysis to optimize agroforestry’s carbon sequestration potential. Government policies should prioritize financial support, capacity building, and land tenure security to scale agroforestry adoption. Strengthening institutional frameworks and leveraging climate finance mechanisms will be essential for mainstreaming agroforestry into national and global climate action plans. Expanding research on carbon sequestration measurement and incentivizing farmer participation through payment for ecosystem services are key to scaling agroforestry solutions. A multi-disciplinary approach combining ecological, economic, and policy innovations is essential to unlocking the full potential of agroforestry in combating climate change and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Pastoralism and women’s role in food security in the Ethiopian Somali region

AbstrctPastoralism has a significant role in food security for ages particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where elevated levels of food insecurity persist. The main aim of this paper is to explore the role of pastoralists and their livestock in enhancing food security in the Somali region of Ethiopia, with a special focus on the contributions of women involved in pastoral activities starting from the fact that their crucial role was often underemphasized in earlier studies. The survey was based on two primary qualitative data collections methods: in depth interviews and focus group. In contrast secondary data were acquired through an insight into literature on the subject. The results from the study have shown a strong relationship between pastoralism and food security in the Somali region highlighting the need to address challenges that limit women’s roles and participation in pastoral activities. The findings of the study have implications for policymakers, development practitioners, pastoral communities and the wider international community. Promoting sustainable livestock farming and enhancing food security in the Somali region of Ethiopia is critical to achieving global food security and sustainable development. The findings also highlighted the need for further research to explore the links between sustainable livestock husbandry, traditional knowledge, and adaptation to climate change in pastoral communities.

DAWN OF SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY ENGINEERING LIFE AT THE MICROSCOPIC SCALE: A REVIEW

Synthetic biology, converging biology, engineering and computer science, allows the design of new biological systems, promising revolutions in healthcare, agriculture and environmental sustainability. Its core principles—modularity, abstraction hierarchies, orthogonality, predictability, and standardization—enable systematic biological engineering. Modularity breaks complex systems into manageable parts, while abstraction hierarchies organize these parts by complexity. Orthogonality ensures independent function of synthetic components and predictability is achieved through modeling and computation. Standardization promotes reproducibility and collaboration. Mechanistically, synthetic biology manipulates DNA, designs genetic circuits and metabolic pathways and applies physical and computational principles. Techniques like PCR and DNA sequencing construct recombinant DNA. Genetic circuits control gene expression and metabolic engineering optimizes pathways. Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) accelerates innovation by analyzing data, predicting protein structures and automating experiments, improving drug and therapy development.Synthetic biology can address global challenges like infectious diseases, climate change and food security, in addition to the potential applications in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. By understanding its principles and using advanced technologies, researchers can realize the field's potential for a better future. Peer Review History: Received 12 December 2024; Reviewed 6 January 2025; Accepted 17 February; Available online 15 March 2025 Academic Editor: Dr. Jennifer Audu-Peter, University of Jos, Nigeria, drambia44@gmail.com