Biotechnological approaches to reduce the phytic acid content in millets to improve nutritional quality

Main conclusion

The review article summarizes the approaches and potential targets to address the challenges of anti-nutrient like phytic acid in millet grains for nutritional improvement.

Abstract

Millets are a diverse group of minor cereal grains that are agriculturally important, nutritionally rich, and the oldest cereals in the human diet. The grains are important for protein, vitamins, macro and micronutrients, fibre, and energy sources. Despite a high amount of nutrients, millet grains also contain anti-nutrients that limit the proper utilization of nutrients and finally affect their dietary quality. Our study aims to outline the genomic information to identify the target areas of research for the exploration of candidate genes for nutritional importance and show the possibilities to address the presence of anti-nutrient (phytic acid) in millets. So, the physicochemical accessibility of micronutrients increases and the agronomic traits can do better. Several strategies have been adopted to minimize the phytic acid, a predominant anti-nutrient in cereal grains. In the present review, we highlight the potential of biotechnological tools and genome editing approaches to address phytic acid in millets. It also highlights the biosynthetic pathway of phytic acid and potential targets for knockout or silencing to achieve low phytic acid content in millets.