Gene Editing and Systems Biology Tools for Agrochemical Bioremediation: Trends and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Agricultural biochemicals are key components for the enhancement of crop yield. While their contribution is significant, these substances have serious repercussions, such as soil and environmental pollution. Gene editing has emerged as a prominent trend in improving bioremediation through processes, encompassing the elimination of xenobiotics, transformation of toxic compounds into a less toxic form, and degradation of agrochemicals into simple components. The scientific community globally has garnered momentum in response to the diverse toxicity, persistent nature, resistance behaviour, and indiscriminate utilization of agrochemicals for various management purposes. The most effective approach currently available for agrochemical handling is bioremediation, chosen for its efficiency, economic viability, and environmental friendliness. With a special emphasis on the application of gene editing in agrochemical bioremediation, bioaugmentation, and phytoremediation, this chapter presents an arena of advanced technologies, including gene editing, genetic and metabolic engineering, genomics, transcriptomics, meta-transcriptomics, nano-biotechnology, immobilization technology, and recombinant technology. In addition, this chapter also articulates the future prospects of agrochemical bioremediation along with its strengths and shortcomings.