Genomics and Applied Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 64-74 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/gab 68 4.2 Challenges in degrading complex pollutants The degradation of complex pollutants presents several challenges. Firstly, their chemical stability and resistance to natural degradation processes make them persistent in the environment (Garg, 2020; Bala et al., 2022). Heavy metals, for instance, cannot be broken down into less toxic forms and tend to accumulate in the ecosystem, posing long-term risks to human health and the environment (Akash et al., 2022). Similarly, POPs are resistant to environmental degradation due to their stable chemical structures, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification in the food chain (Garg, 2020; Bala et al., 2022). Traditional bioremediation methods often fall short in addressing these pollutants due to the limited metabolic capabilities of natural microbial communities (Sharma and Shukla, 2020; Tran et al., 2021). The presence of multiple contaminants can also inhibit microbial activity, further complicating the bioremediation process (Garg, 2020). Additionally, the heterogeneity of contaminated sites and varying environmental conditions can affect the efficiency of bioremediation efforts (Akash et al., 2022; Bala et al., 2022). 4.3 Role of SynComs in addressing these challenges 4.3.1 Enhanced degradation pathways Engineered synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) offer a promising solution to the challenges posed by complex pollutants. By leveraging synthetic biology and metabolic engineering, SynComs can be designed to possess enhanced degradation pathways that are not naturally present in wild-type microorganisms (Sharma and Shukla, 2020; Tran et al., 2021). For example, the introduction of catabolic modules from different origins into a single microbial cell can create new metabolic pathways capable of breaking down recalcitrant compounds (Sharma and Shukla, 2020). This approach allows for the degradation of a broader range of pollutants, including those that are typically resistant to natural biodegradation processes (Sharma and Shukla, 2020; Tran et al., 2021). 4.3.2 Synergistic interactions between community members The effectiveness of SynComs is further enhanced by the synergistic interactions between different microbial species within the community. These interactions can lead to improved pollutant degradation through cooperative metabolic processes and the sharing of metabolic intermediates (Sharma and Shukla, 2020; Tran et al., 2021). For instance, one microbial species may partially degrade a pollutant into a less complex form, which can then be further broken down by another species within the SynCom (Sharma and Shukla, 2020; Tran et al., 2021). This division of labor not only enhances the overall efficiency of pollutant degradation but also allows for the simultaneous treatment of multiple contaminants (Sharma and Shukla, 2020). In conclusion, the use of engineered SynComs represents a significant advancement in the field of bioremediation, offering new avenues for the effective treatment of complex environmental pollutants. By harnessing the power of synthetic biology and microbial cooperation, SynComs can overcome the limitations of traditional bioremediation methods and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. 5 Advances in SynCom Engineering 5.1 Recent technological advancements 5.1.1 CRISPR and gene editing The advent of CRISPR and other gene-editing technologies has revolutionized the field of synthetic community (SynCom) engineering. CRISPR/Cas9, in particular, has enabled precise and efficient genome editing, facilitating the modification of microbial genomes to enhance their bioremediation capabilities. This technology allows for the targeted manipulation of genes responsible for pollutant degradation, metal tolerance, and other relevant traits (Yang et al., 2021; Chan et al., 2022; Huang et al., 2022). Additionally, the integration of CRISPR with other molecular tools such as zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) has expanded the gene-editing toolbox, providing more options for precise genetic modifications (Holcomb et al., 2022; Ramesh et al., 2022; Gu et al., 2023). 5.1.2 High-throughput screening High-throughput screening (HTS) technologies have significantly accelerated the identification and optimization
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