Archives of Industrial Biotechnology

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +1 (629)348-3199

Rapid Communication - Archives of Industrial Biotechnology (2023) Volume 7, Issue 3

CRISPR-Cas9 and beyond: Gene editing's impact on industrial biotechnology

Alberto Zheng*

Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain

Corresponding Author:
Alberto Zheng
Department of Microbiology and Genetics
University of Salamanca
Campus Miguel de Unamuno
Salamanca, Spain
Email id: albertozheng@gmail.com

Received: 27-May-2023, Manuscript No. AAAIB-23-109061; Editor assigned: 30-May-2023, PreQC No. AAAIB-23-109061(PQ); Reviewed: 13-Jun-2023, QC No. AAAIB-23-109061; Revised: 15-Jun-2023, Manuscript No. AAAIB-23-109061(R); Published: 22-Jun-2023, DOI:10.35841/aaaib-7.3.149

Citation: Zheng A. CRISPR-Cas9 and beyond: Gene editing's impact on industrial biotechnology. J Arch Ind Biot. 2023;7(3):149

Visit for more related articles at Archives of Industrial Biotechnology

Introduction

Gene editing has been a game-changer in the field of biotechnology, and one of its most revolutionary tools is CRISPR-Cas9. Originally discovered as a bacterial defense system, CRISPR-Cas9 has been harnessed and adapted by scientists to edit genes in various organisms, including humans, plants, and microorganisms. The potential of this technology extends far beyond medicine and agriculture; it has opened up new frontiers in industrial biotechnology. In this article, we will explore how CRISPR-Cas9 is impacting industrial biotechnology and the myriad applications it offers for enhancing various industrial processes.

Understanding CRISPR-Cas9: A gene editor's toolkit

CRISPR-Cas9 is a powerful and precise gene-editing tool that enables scientists to modify the DNA of organisms with unprecedented accuracy. The CRISPR-Cas9 system consists of two main components: the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR), which is stretches of DNA with repeating sequences, and the Cas9 protein, which acts as the molecular scissors. The CRISPR component acts as a memory bank, storing information about viral or foreign DNA that the organism has encountered in the past. When the organism encounters the same DNA again, the CRISPR system guides the Cas9 protein to the target site on the DNA. Once at the target site, Cas9 cuts the DNA, allowing scientists to either disable or replace specific genes. The simplicity and versatility of CRISPR-Cas9 have made it a transformative tool for gene editing across a wide range of organisms, including bacteria, yeast, and even higher organisms like plants and animals [1].

Enhancing microbial strains for industrial processes

Microorganisms have long been crucial players in various industrial processes, such as the production of biofuels, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. However, their inherent properties often limit their efficiency or capabilities. With CRISPR-Cas9, researchers can now fine-tune these microorganisms to optimize their performance in industrial settings. For instance, in the production of biofuels, scientists can use CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the genes of microorganisms to improve their ability to convert plant-based feedstocks into biofuels efficiently. By modifying specific genes, researchers can enhance the metabolic pathways, increase yield, and tailor microorganisms for specific environments or raw materials. Similarly, CRISPR-Cas9 allows for the development of microbial strains capable of producing valuable chemicals at higher rates. By editing the genes involved in the synthesis of these chemicals, scientists can create strains that are more efficient, reducing production costs and making these processes economically viable [2].

Environmental applications: Bioremediation and beyond

Another area where CRISPR-Cas9 is making a significant impact is in environmental applications. Microorganisms have long been used in bioremediation, a process that uses living organisms to clean up polluted environments. CRISPRCas9 enables researchers to enhance the capabilities of these microorganisms, making them more effective at breaking down and degrading pollutants. Moreover, gene editing allows for the creation of "synthetic" microorganisms designed explicitly for environmental remediation. These engineered organisms can possess specialized enzymes or pathways to target specific contaminants, making bioremediation efforts more targeted and efficient. Beyond bioremediation, CRISPR-Cas9 is also being explored for applications like restoring ecosystems and protecting endangered species. By editing the genes of organisms to increase their resistance to environmental stressors, researchers hope to create more resilient populations that can thrive in changing environments [3].

Advancing industrial fermentation: Efficiency and diversity

Industrial fermentation is a process widely used in the production of various products, including enzymes, pharmaceuticals, and food additives. CRISPR-Cas9 is proving to be a game-changer in this field as well.

One significant challenge in industrial fermentation is the need to optimize strains to produce specific products efficiently. With CRISPR-Cas9, researchers can precisely modify the genetic makeup of fermentation organisms to enhance their productivity and yield. This level of control enables companies to achieve higher production rates and develop cost-effective manufacturing processes. Moreover, CRISPR-Cas9 allows for the diversification of the range of products that can be produced through fermentation. By introducing or modifying genes responsible for specific enzymatic activities, scientists can create new pathways for the synthesis of valuable compounds. This expansion of possibilities is opening up novel avenues for industrial biotechnology, leading to the development of new products and industries [4].

Challenges and ethical considerations

While CRISPR-Cas9 presents incredible opportunities in industrial biotechnology, it also raises ethical concerns. The potential for unintended consequences, such as offtarget effects or ecological disruption, necessitates careful consideration and risk assessment before releasing engineered organisms into the environment. Additionally, the use of CRISPR-Cas9 in industrial applications may also spark debates about intellectual property rights, biosecurity, and equitable access to genetic technologies. Striking a balance between technological advancement and responsible use will be crucial in ensuring that gene editing benefits humanity while minimizing potential risks [5].

Conclusion

CRISPR-Cas9 has revolutionized gene editing and is transforming industrial biotechnology. By empowering scientists to precisely edit the genetic makeup of organisms, this technology is driving progress in a wide range of applications, from enhancing microbial strains for industrial processes to environmental remediation and advancing industrial fermentation. As researchers continue to refine and expand the potential of CRISPR-Cas9, we can expect further breakthroughs and innovations that will shape the future of industrial biotechnology and its impact on various sectors of society. The journey from the discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 as a bacterial defense mechanism to its role as a transformative gene editor is a testament to human ingenuity and the potential of biotechnology to address some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today.

References

  1. Pennisi E. The CRISPR craze. Science.2013;341(6148):833-6.

    2. Indexed at , Google Scholar , Cross Ref

  2. Deveau H, Barrangou R, Garneau JE, et al. Phage response to CRISPR-encoded resistance in Streptococcus thermophilus. J Bacteriol. 2008;190(4):1390-400.

    3. Indexed at , Google Scholar , Cross Ref

  3. Horvath P, Romero DA, Coûté-Monvoisin AC,et al. Diversity, activity, and evolution of CRISPR loci in Streptococcus thermophilus. J Bacteriol. 2008;190(4):1401-12.

    4. Indexed at , Google Scholar , Cross Ref

  4. Anders C, Niewoehner O, Duerst A, et al. Structural basis of PAM-dependent target DNA recognition by the Cas9 endonuclease. Nature. 2014;513(7519):569-73.

    5. Indexed at , Google Scholar , Cross Ref

  5. Szczelkun MD, Tikhomirova MS, Sinkunas T, et al. Direct observation of R-loop formation by single RNA-guided Cas9 and Cascade effector complexes.Proc Natl Acad Sci.2014;111(27):9798-803.

    6. Indexed at , Google Scholar , Cross Ref

Get the App