Molecular Microbiology Research 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 65-78 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mmr 75 9 Concluding Remarks The integration of engineered synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) into large-scale environmental remediation presents a promising frontier beyond traditional agricultural applications. The potential of SynComs to enhance nutrient acquisition, mitigate drought, and resist pathogens in crops underscores their broader applicability in environmental sustainability. However, the transition from agricultural to environmental applications necessitates a comprehensive understanding of SynCom interactions with diverse ecosystems and the development of robust frameworks to ensure their efficacy and safety. SynComs have been identified as crucial for reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers, improving crop resilience, and enhancing growth on marginal soils. Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) offer sustainable alternatives in agriculture, such as soil amendments, seed coatings, and foliar sprays, which can be adapted for environmental remediation. The holistic, systems-based approach in utilizing ENMs highlights the importance of considering the entire lifecycle and environmental impact, which is equally relevant for SynCom applications in environmental contexts. The development of ecology-based inoculants through SynComs can significantly augment nutrient acquisition and pathogen resistance, ensuring sustainability in various environmental settings. The findings suggest that engineered SynComs can be pivotal in addressing large-scale environmental challenges. By leveraging the principles of sustainable agriculture, such as reducing chemical inputs and enhancing resilience, SynComs can be tailored for environmental remediation. This approach not only promotes ecological balance but also offers a scalable solution to mitigate environmental degradation. The successful application of SynComs in agriculture provides a blueprint for their deployment in broader environmental contexts, potentially transforming practices in waste management, soil restoration, and pollution control. To fully realize the potential of SynComs in environmental remediation, further research is essential in the following areas: Ecosystem Interactions: Investigate the interactions between SynComs and various ecosystems to understand their impact and optimize their functionality in different environmental conditions. Safety and Efficacy: Develop robust frameworks to assess the safety and efficacy of SynComs in large-scale applications, ensuring they do not disrupt existing ecological balances. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Foster collaboration between microbiologists, ecologists, environmental scientists, and policymakers to create integrated strategies for SynCom deployment. Field Trials and Case Studies: Conduct extensive field trials and document case studies to gather empirical data on the performance of SynComs in real-world environmental remediation scenarios. By addressing these research areas, the scientific community can advance the development and application of SynComs, paving the way for innovative solutions to global environmental challenges. Funding This work was supported by the Program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team in University (No. IRT17R99) and College Students' innovation and entrepreneurship training program (DC-2024268). The funders had no role in study design. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Akhtar N., and Mannan M., 2020, Mycoremediation: expunging environmental pollutants, Biotechnology Reports, 26: e00452. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.btre.2020.e00452
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