MMR_2024v14n5

Molecular Microbiology Research 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 208-217 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mmr 214 6.3 Regulatory and commercialization barriers Regulatory and commercialization barriers present another significant challenge to the widespread adoption of microbial predators as biocontrol agents. The regulatory framework for the approval and registration of biocontrol agents is often complex and stringent, requiring extensive risk assessments and evidence of safety and efficacy (Loomans, 2020). This can be particularly challenging for generalist predators, which require specific risk assessments due to their broad host range. The commercialization of biocontrol agents is hindered by economic factors, such as the cost of mass production, quality control, and distribution (Blackburn et al., 2016). The lack of efficient, commercially available biocontrol agents further limits the large-scale implementation of biocontrol strategies. Overcoming these barriers requires coordinated efforts between researchers, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders to streamline the approval process and enhance the commercial viability of biocontrol agents (Lenteren et al., 2018). 7 Advances in Research and Technology 7.1 Genetic engineering of microbial predators Genetic engineering has emerged as a powerful tool to enhance the efficacy of microbial predators as biocontrol agents. For instance, Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, a predatory bacterium, has shown potential in targeting Gram-negative bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Recent studies have identified and characterized genes essential for predation, paving the way for the genetic modification of these predators to improve their killing rates and specificity towards certain bacterial species (Duncan et al., 2019). Synthetic riboswitches have been developed to control gene expression in B. bacteriovorus, enabling the regulation of predation kinetics and enhancing its practical applications as a biocontrol agent (Dwidar and Yokobayashi, 2017). These advancements highlight the potential of genetic engineering to optimize microbial predators for more effective biocontrol strategies. 7.2 High-throughput screening for effective strains High-throughput screening (HTS) techniques have revolutionized the identification of effective microbial strains for biocontrol. HTS enables the rapid and comprehensive exploration of diverse microbial libraries to identify strains with desired traits. For example, HTS has been employed to screen bacterial strains for antifungal properties, providing quantitative measures of biocontrol efficiency and distinguishing highly effective strains from less potent ones (Kjeldgaard et al., 2022). HTS has been used to map the genetic determinants of phage resistance in E. coli, uncovering host factors that confer resistance to various phages and informing the design of phage-based biocontrol strategies (Mutalik et al., 2020). These techniques facilitate the discovery of potent biocontrol agents and enhance our understanding of microbial interactions, ultimately leading to more effective and targeted biocontrol solutions. 7.3 Development of formulation and delivery systems The development of effective formulation and delivery systems is crucial for the successful application of microbial predators as biocontrol agents. Advances in this area include the integration of microbial community studies with traditional biocontrol approaches, which can inform the formulation and timing of biocontrol agent applications (Massart et al., 2015). The use of synthetic microbial communities constructed and screened through platforms like the kChip allows for the identification of multispecies consortia with robust biocontrol properties (Kehe et al., 2019). These consortia can be formulated to enhance the stability and efficacy of biocontrol agents under various environmental conditions. Furthermore, the genetic improvement of biocontrol agents to enhance their resilience to environmental stresses and compatibility with agricultural practices can lead to more reliable and effective biocontrol formulations (Bielza et al., 2020). These advancements in formulation and delivery systems are essential for maximizing the impact of microbial predators in biocontrol applications.

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