CRISPR-Cas, the game-changing gene-editing tool, is spearheading a scientific revolution across diverse fields from medicine to sustainable technologies. Since its arrival on the biotech scene, this remarkable tool has garnered significant attention because of its unparalleled precision, simplicity, and universality.
There’s a wealth of great resources focusing on the fascinating science behind CRISPR and on the technology’s immense potential in the coming decades. But in these posts, we’re taking a step back and highlighting the impressive accomplishments and remarkable breakthroughs that have already happened thanks to CRISPR.
Here, are three remarkable CRISPR-enabled sustainable technologies. [Sustainable technologies are innovations and processes designed to address current needs while also considering the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. These technologies prioritize the efficient use of natural resources and economic success as well as social and environmental responsibility. Their scope spans various sectors, including energy, transportation, waste management, agriculture, construction, and manufacturing.]
Blue-ribbon Biofuels
CRISPR technology is catalyzing a leap forward in biofuel production. Earlier (first) generations of biofuels, derived from food crops like corn, pose significant challenges such as food insecurity and high carbon footprints as they expand. Similarly, many second-generation biofuels from non-food biomass encounter hurdles in achieving commercial viability at scale. However, CRISPR-enabled third-generation biofuels offer high-quality, low greenhouse gas emission, scalable alternatives at competitive costs. For example, researchers have successfully doubled the lipid production in the photooptic algae Nannochloropsis gaditana using CRISPR technology. This breakthrough resulted in the creation of an energy-rich strain of algae that addresses a central challenge of algae-based biofuels: the inefficiency of converting light into fuel. This enhanced strain can produce approximately 1,500 gallons of fuel per acre per year, a fivefold increase compared to earlier biofuels! Moreover, it can thrive in saltwater environments and boasts a minimal carbon footprint throughout the growth and refining processes.
Planet Saving Plants
Scientists are embarking on an ambitious mission: to create crops that not only withstand the challenges of climate change but also address the root cause. How? By capturing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it deep in the soil. Developing such a system requires expertise and innovation across several disciplines including plant genetics, plant physiology, microbiology, soil ecology, mineralogy and geology. Crops are at the core of these systems are getting a boost thanks to the accessibility and success of CRISPR. For example at the Innovative Genomic Institute, scientists have significantly enhanced the efficiency of photosynthesis’ dark reactions, boosting carbon uptake by over 30% and channeling this increase into the roots. The resulting plants exhibit enhanced resilience against prolonged droughts, extreme weather events, and topsoil nutrient deficiencies—challenges faced by current crops. As they survive and grow the crops also help return nutrients to the soil and store carbon in a key carbon cycle sink. With one-third of Earth’s land dedicated to agriculture and many soil sinks capable of storing carbon for centuries, such crops could have a pivotal impact on our planet’s carbon budget during the current critical period.
Sustainable (and Shark Free) Synthesis
Squalene oil is a staple ingredient found in many facial serums, anti-aging creams, dry skin lotions, foundations, and lipsticks/lip balms. It’s popular because it can rapidly smooth and soften the skin without clogging pores and because it resembles the body’s natural oils so is safe even for sensitive skin. Traditionally sourced from shark livers in large quantities, squalene underwent a transformative shift in 2019 when scientists utilized CRISPR to engineer bacteria capable of efficiently producing squalene from glucose. Today, many skincare brands opt for this sustainable, shark-free variant of squalene. This innovation epitomizes a broader trend in biomanufacturing: harnesses CRISPR for commercial success. The use of biological systems to produce materials, chemicals, or pharmaceuticals goes back millennia. However, biomanufacturing is going through a renaissance as CRISPR tools help inventors more rapidly develop highly competitive production processes. These production processes can alleviate pressure on threatened species or limited natural resources, as exemplified by the case of squalene oil. In other instances, they offer safer and more efficient alternatives to traditional chemical manufacturing. Moreover, CRISPR technologies can enhance the efficiency of current biomanufacturing processes, such as by helping to lower operating temperature.
Intrigued by CRISPR and curious to see it in action? With our CRISPR experiment kit, you can experience firsthand how this revolutionary technology works. Perfect for classrooms and hands-on learners, our kit includes all the essential reagents and materials to explore the cutting edge of genetic science in a guided, educational setting. Ready to dive in? Learn more here!
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