Bacterial biosynthesis of flavonoids: Overview, current biotechnology applications, challenges, and prospects.

Flavonoids are secondary metabolites present in plant organs and tissues. These natural metabolites are the most prevalent and display a wide range of beneficial physiological effects, making them usually intriguing in several scientific fields. Due to their safety for use and protective attributes, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial functions, flavonoids are broadly utilized in foods, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals. However, conventional methods for producing flavonoids, such as plant extraction and chemical synthesis, entailed dangerous substances, and laborious procedures, with low product yield. Recent studies have documented the ability of microorganisms, such as fungi and bacteria, to synthesize adequate amounts of flavonoids. Bacterial biosynthesis of flavonoids from plant biomass is a viable and environmentally friendly technique for producing flavonoids on a larger scale and has recently received much attention. Still, only a few bacteria species, particularly Escherichia coli, have been extensively studied. The most recent developments in bacterial biosynthesis of flavonoids are reviewed and discussed in this article, including their various applications as natural food biocontrol agents. In addition, the challenges currently faced in bacterial flavonoid biosynthesis and possible solutions, including the application of modern biotechnology approaches for developing bacterial strains that could successfully produce flavonoids on an industrial scale, were elucidated.

The Integration and Harmonisation of Secular and Islamic Ethical Principles in Formulating Acceptable Ethical Guidelines for Modern Biotechnology in Malaysia.

The Malaysian government recognises the potential contribution of biotechnology to the national economy. However, ongoing controversy persists regarding its ethical status and no specific ethical guidelines have been published relating to its use. In developing such guidelines, it is important to identify the underlying principles that are acceptable to Malaysian society. This paper discusses the process of determining relevant secular and Islamic ethical principles and establishing their similarities before harmonising them. To achieve this, a series of focus group discussions were conducted with 23 knowledge experts representing various stakeholders in the biotechnology community. Notably, several principles between the secular and Islamic perspectives are indirectly or directly similar. All the experts agreed with the predominant six ethical principles of secular and Islamic philosophy and their importance and relevance in modern biotechnology. These are beneficence and non-maleficence as the main or overarching principles, the preservation of religious and moral values, the preservation of the intellect and the mind, the protection of human safety, the protection of future generations, and protection of the environment and biological diversity. Several adjustments were made to the terminologies and definitions of these six principles to formulate acceptable guiding principles for the ethics of modern biotechnology in Malaysia. These can then be adopted as core values to underpin future national guidelines on modern biotechnology ethics. These principles will be particularly important in guiding the policy makers, enforcers, industries and researchers to streamline their activities. In so doing, modern biotechnology and its products can be properly managed without jeopardising the interests of the Muslim community as well as the general public. Importantly, they are expansive and inclusive enough to embrace the religious sensitivity of diverse quarters of Malaysia.

Understanding public perspectives on genetically engineered Brinjal and the adoption of modern biotechnology in Bangladesh.

The agricultural sector in Bangladesh is currently facing numerous challenges. The country is currently endeavoring to adopt modern biotechnological tools, such as genetic engineering, to modify crops with the aim of ensuring food security. Notably, Bt Brinjal represents a significant milestone as the first genetically engineered (GE) food crop commercially cultivated in South Asia. Public perception and awareness are crucial steps forward for accepting and commercializing GE crops within society. The study discussed here aims to assess public perception and awareness regarding modern biotechnology and GE crops, focusing mainly on Bt Brinjal in Bangladesh. A random survey considered demographic factors such as age, gender, hometown, educational qualification, and occupation to explore the public attitudes towards Bt Brinjal and modern biotechnology. Approximately one-third of those surveyed considered Bt Brinjal safe for consumption, and a third expressed a willingness to buy Bt Brinjal, while nearly two-thirds believed it would gain popularity in the market alongside other crops. Most respondents recognized the necessity of utilizing modern biotechnology for crop improvement beyond Bt Brinjal, and respondents with science backgrounds displayed higher awareness and a more positive attitude than those with limited education or non-science backgrounds. This study explores the public perceptions of Bt Brinjal and the adoption of modern biotechnology in Bangladesh by examining factors such as knowledge dissemination, acceptance levels, and concerns related to GE crops, and offers a meaningful perspective that can shape decision-making processes to promote agricultural sustainability and achieve relevant sustainable development goals in Bangladesh.

The performance of lactic acid bacteria in silage production: A review of modern biotechnology for silage improvement.

Ensiling is a microbial-driven process used to preserve fresh forage in bio-refinery and animal production. The biochemical changes that ensue during ensiling have aided the search for new silage additives, emphasizing the potential of certain microbial strains that are more efficient in biopreservation. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) species are widely recognized for their varied application as additives in the fermentation of crops or forage biomasses during ensiling. However, inconsistency in silage quality in recent times could be interpreted by the lack of information on gene expression and molecular mechanisms of microbiota involved in silage production. Modern research has focused on unraveling nutrient-rich animal feed with improved LAB inoculants. Therefore, this review elucidates the role of LAB inoculants in silage production as well as the modern biotechnology approaches, including metabolomics, proteomics, metagenomics, genomics, transcriptomics, and genetic manipulation, which are powerful tools for identifying, improving, and developing high-performance LAB strains. In addition, the review highlighted the trends and future perspectives of LAB development for silage improvement, pertinent for animal feed breakthroughs in sustainable agriculture.

Microbial-derived salt-tolerant proteases and their applications in high-salt traditional soybean fermented foods: a review.

Different microorganisms can produce different proteases, which can adapt to different industrial requirements such as pH, temperature, and pressure. Salt-tolerant proteases (STPs) from microorganisms exhibit higher salt tolerance, wider adaptability, and more efficient catalytic ability under extreme conditions compared to conventional proteases. These unique enzymes hold great promise for applications in various industries including food, medicine, environmental protection, agriculture, detergents, dyes, and others. Scientific studies on microbial-derived STPs have been widely reported, but there has been little systematic review of microbial-derived STPs and their application in high-salt conventional soybean fermentable foods. This review presents the STP-producing microbial species and their selection methods, and summarizes and analyzes the salt tolerance mechanisms of the microorganisms. It also outlines various techniques for the isolation and purification of STPs from microorganisms and discusses the salt tolerance mechanisms of STPs. Furthermore, this review demonstrates the contribution of modern biotechnology in the screening of novel microbial-derived STPs and their improvement in salt tolerance. It highlights the potential applications and commercial value of salt-tolerant microorganisms and STPs in high-salt traditional soy fermented foods. The review ends with concluding remarks on the challenges and future directions for microbial-derived STPs. This review provides valuable insights into the separation, purification, performance enhancement, and application of microbial-derived STPs in traditional fermented foods.

Genomic Editing: The Evolution in Regulatory Management Accompanying Scientific Progress.

Argentina currently has a regulation for genome-editing products whose criteria were updated as consultations were received to determine the regulatory status of these products. The aim of this regulation is to consider all organisms (animals, micro-organisms and plants) under the same NBT resolution independently and without being linked to commercial Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) regulations. This gives certainty to local researchers and developers (teams of local developers and researchers), which can be seen in the number of developments and consultations carried out. It should be noted that early results showed that the speed of innovation of these technologies was increasing in a short time, giving more opportunity to local developers who showed interest in generating products in different species, crops and phenotypes.

Cleome gynandra: A wonder climate-smart plant for nutritional security for millions in semi-arid areas.

Spider plant (Cleome gynandra) is predominantly used as a traditional leafy vegetable throughout Africa and is considered a rich natural source of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and proteins. With the increase in malnutrition, diet related non-communicable diseases and poverty across the continent of Africa, the spider plant is a bona fide alternative healthy food crop to alleviate these challenges. Spider plant is an erect annual herb that could grow up to 150 cm tall, strongly branched, with a long taproot and few secondary roots. It is commonly consumed in resource-poor communities especially during times of major food scarcity. It is a drought-tolerant and resilient annual vegetable crop capable of growing well in a wide range of climatic and edaphic conditions. Despite the potential benefits and wide adaptability, progressive attempts towards the development of C. gynandra as a crop have been impeded by issues like low investment in research and development resulting in poor seed quality, relatively low yields and susceptibility to pests and diseases. In this paper, we reviewed the research that has been done regarding its morphology, growing conditions, production and utilisation (i.e., nutrition). The current review highlighted the status of the science in advancing the domestication of C. gynandra as a potential power crop for several African countries. The review concluded that with the advancement of modern biotechnology techniques and genome sequencing, there is a compelling case for investment and development in C. gynandra as a candidate for managing micronutrient deficiencies during the post-pandemic era. Finally, the existing knowledge gaps (e.g., breeding) that necessitate explorations were identified and recommendations that could enhance its development and potential commercialisation were made.

Animal cloning and consumption of its by-products: A scientific and Islamic perspectives.

Islam is a religion that inspires its followers to seek knowledge continually and nurtures innovation, within the realms of Islamic rulings, towards an ameliorated quality of life. Up-to-date biotechnological techniques, specifically animal cloning, are involved in advancing society's health, social, and economic domains. The goal of animal cloning includes the production of genetically modified animal for human consumption. Therefore, this research endeavoured to study animal cloning's current scientific findings, examine the by-product of said process, and determine its permissibility in an Islamic context. This study employed descriptive literature reviews. Results concluded that animal cloning, especially in mammals, does not occur naturally as in plants. A broadly trusted and efficient animal cloning method is known as Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT), which includes three principal steps: oocyte enucleation; implantation of donor cells (or nucleus); and the activation of the embryo. Nevertheless, the limitations of SCNT, particularly to the Large Offspring Syndrome (LOS), should be noted. One of the forms of the application of animal cloning is in agriculture. From an Islamic perspective, determining the permissibility of consuming cloned animals as food is essentially based on whether the cloned animal conforms to Islamic law's principles and criteria. Islam interdicts animal cloning when it is executed without benefiting humans, religion, or society. Nonetheless, if it is done to preserve the livelihood and the needs of a community, then the process is deemed necessary and should be administered following the conditions outlined in Islam. Hence, the Islamic ruling for animal cloning is not rigid and varies proportionately with the current fatwa.

Modern biotechnology breakthroughs to food and agricultural research in developing countries.

Aesop's famous fable "Tortoise and Hare" taught us tortoise wins by taking slow, steady approach against its fast, overconfident competitor, hare. I propose tortoise strategy is more beneficial, when comes to public perception and zero tolerance, toward modern biotechnology research and development for sustainable food and agriculture in developing countries.

Koji--where East meets West in fermentation.

Almost all biotechnological processes originate from traditional food fermentations, i.e. the many indigenous processes that can be found already in the written history of thousands of years ago. We still consume many of these fermented foods and beverages on a daily basis today. The evolution of these traditional processes, in particular since the 19th century, stimulated and influenced the development of modern biotechnological processes. In return, the development of modern biotechnology and related advanced techniques will no doubt improve the process, the product quality and the safety of our favourite fermented foods and beverages. In this article, we describe the relationship between these traditional food fermentations and modern biotechnology. Using Koji and its derived product soy sauce as examples, we address the mutual influences that will provide us with a better future concerning the quality, safety and nutritional effect of many fermented food products.

Evolution of forms of warfare promoted by modern biotechnology / 军事医学

Sci-technology is a leading driver of the evolution of warfare forms.If a sci-technology group can promote the evolution of warfare forms, we have to see whether it can lead to changes in new era of economy, boost the transformation of new operational effectiveness, and spawn the emergence of new military philosophy.The rapid development of modern biotechnology has proved to be of high military value and will give impetus to new military reform and promote evolution of warfare forms.The study of the evolution of warfare forms should start with the social basis, material basis, and theoretical basis.This article expounds the mechanism of the evolution of warfare forms, and puts forward some rough notions of forms of biological warfare.It is a prediction and inference on the evolution of warfare forms in future wars.

Concepto de equivalencia sustancial aplicado alimentos derivados de cultivos genéticamente mejorados / The concept of substantial equivalence as applied to foodstuffs derived from genetically-modified crops

El objetivo del presente artículo es describir la aplicación del concepto de equivalencia sustancial, el cual es utilizado y aceptado internacionalmente para realizar la evaluación de la inocuidad de un alimento nuevo derivado de cultivos genéticamente mejorados. La metodología utilizada fue revisión de literatura actualizada, considerando, información tanto de revistas nacionales como internacionales y documentos de la Organización Mundial para la Agricultura y la Alimentación, FAO, Organización Mundial de la Salud, OMS, Codex Alimentarius, Organización Económica de Cooperación y Desarrollo, OECD, la Food and Drug Administration, FDA y otras. El artículo presenta la tendencia mundial en la siembra de cultivos genéticamente mejorados, así como la situación actual en Costa Rica con respecto a la siembra de cultivos genéticamente mejorados para incremento de semilla. Además, se detalla el concepto de equivalencia sustancial y se describe el conjunto de características de calidad que se deben evaluar los procedimientos metodológicos a seguir para demostrar que un alimento, derivado de un cultivo genéticamente mejorado, adCGM, es seguro para el consumo humano y animal. Como conclusión el concepto de equivalencia sustancial es el grupo de técnicas y metodologías, vigentes y aceptadas internacionalmente para evaluar la inocuidad de un nuevo alimento desarrollado mediante biotecnología moderna.

The objective of this article is to describe the complete application of the concept of substantial equivalence, which is internationally accepted and widely used for food safety evaluation of new foods. The methodology consists of a literature review of current documents from several agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Food and Drug Administration of the USA (FDA), and others. This article presents the global trends related to the planting of genetically modified crops, and the Costa Rican situation on planting genetically modified crops for increasing seed yield. The article introduces the concept of substantial equivalence, and discusses several tests that should be applied in order to demonstrate that a genetically modified food derived from a GM crop is safe for human and animal consumption. As conclusion, the concept of substantial equivalence is the internationallyand currently accepted criteria the food safety assessment of crops developed by modern biotechnology.