Plant Metabolic Engineering for Enhanced Nutrition and Food Security During Climate Uncertainty

Abstract

In the face of climate change and the increasing problem of food security, plant metabolic engineering stands out as the most promising approach for improving nutritional quality of crops. Techniques used in engineering plant metabolism and the innovations being made are helping to improve the nutrient quality of staple foods. Through this approach, scientists have been able to increase the content of essential nutrients, such as minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, and amino acids, to help combat malnutrition and dietary insufficiency in many parts of the world today. The review highlights the genetic and biochemical strategies that can be employed in the management and reprogramming of metabolic pathways to synthesize desired nutrients. This review includes examples of biofortified crops like rice, maize, and potatoes, which have been genetically enhanced to contain higher levels of essential nutrients such as provitamin A, iron, and folate. Furthermore, it examines the application of CRISPR/Cas9 and other advanced gene-editing tools for precision breeding to improve nutrition. Moreover, the review analyzes strategies to ensure that biofortified crops can withstand various environmental stresses exacerbated by climate change. Combining stress tolerance traits, particularly drought stress, with higher nutritional value is important for improving the quality of crops grown under stress conditions. This review synthesizes recent research findings to highlight the potential of metabolic engineering in enhancing crop nutrition. It also emphasizes the importance of adopting multidisciplinary approaches to address regulatory, economic, and societal challenges in the field. The review also addresses challenges such as regulatory approval, public acceptance, and potential ecological impacts. Ultimately, this review aims to inspire further innovations in plant metabolic engineering as a means of bridging gaps in food security and enhancing global health and well-being in a rapidly changing world.