Engineering Improved Photosynthesis in the Era of Synthetic Biology

• Published in: Plant communications Vol. 1; no. 2; p. 100032
• Main Authors: Batista-Silva, Willian, da Fonseca-Pereira, Paula, Martins, Auxiliadora Oliveira, Zsögön, Agustín, Nunes-Nesi, Adriano, Araújo, Wagner L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: China Elsevier Inc 09.03.2020; Elsevier
• Subjects: Carbon Dioxide - metabolism; Crops, Agricultural - genetics; Crops, Agricultural - physiology; genetic engineering; Photosynthesis; Plant Breeding - methods; Plant Proteins - genetics; Plant Proteins - metabolism; Plants, Genetically Modified; Review; Ribulose-Bisphosphate Carboxylase - genetics; Ribulose-Bisphosphate Carboxylase - metabolism; synthetic biology; Synthetic Biology - methods; targeted manipulation; yield improvement; targeted manipulation; synthetic biology; photosynthesis; yield improvement; genetic engineering
• ISSN: 2590-3462; 2590-3462
• DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2020.100032

Much attention has been given to the enhancement of photosynthesis as a strategy for the optimization of crop productivity. As traditional plant breeding is most likely reaching a plateau, there is a timely need to accelerate improvements in photosynthetic efficiency by means of novel tools and biotechnological solutions. The emerging field of synthetic biology offers the potential for building completely novel pathways in predictable directions and, thus, addresses the global requirements for higher yields expected to occur in the 21st century. Here, we discuss recent advances and current challenges of engineering improved photosynthesis in the era of synthetic biology toward optimized utilization of solar energy and carbon sources to optimize the production of food, fiber, and fuel. This review summarizes the progress in the emerging field of synthetic biology applied to photosynthesis. The authors also discuss recent strategies used for manipulating photosynthetic efficiency and their potential biotechnological applications.